Creativity flourishes when it is curbed: Vishal Bhardwaj

Mumbai: Filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj today said an atmosphere curbing the freedom of expression eventually ends up making space for creative voices to come out in resilience. The 52-year-old filmmaker launched his book of poems titled “Nude” here, in which the director highlights some of the contemporary issues – even touches upon mob lynching over beef.

When asked how he views the atmosphere prevailing in the country, Bhardwaj said, “I think whatever is happening, it’s very good. When people are pushed in one corner, they shout. If nobody is cornering you, you won’t shout. Creativity always flourishes when it’s curbed. So for creative people, it’s the best of the times.” 

Bhardwaj was speaking at the ongoing Times Litfest 2017 here. When asked about the title of the book, he said, “Earlier, the title which came to our mind was ‘A Spy in My Heart’, which was out of a poem I had written. But we thought it was too long. The title ‘Nude’ came from Gulzar sahab, I had suggested ‘Naked’. Even this comes from my poem.” 

The director said coming up with his debut book was a monumental task for him. “I was a closet poet. I was hesitant to come out with a book because my poems are very personal. I never thought I am a good writer. “So I was very apprehensive, to the point that I used to always feel shy about sharing my poems with people or to even call myself a poet.” 

When asked if he believes he can compose songs out of his poetry, Bhardwaj said, “I never ever felt like composing my poetry. When I write poetry, I become a poet. “I don’t even want to look at it through music. I never tried to make a tune out of my poems nor did I ever had the urge to do so.