For movie buffs, ‘Film hi Film’ goes beyond 1st day, 1st show

Gurgaon: Here’s something around cinema that comes up four times a year, scripted by Swati Chauhan (founder) and directed by Heena Dungarpur and Manish Mehrotra (it’ll soon be showing at Cyber Hub).

Joshing apart, ‘Film hi Film’ proves there’s nothing like

Bollywood

in bringing people together, and kickstarting a lively discussion. This community (named, incidentally, after a 1983 oddity) comprises men and women living in different corners of India (and the world), but its heart resides in the Millennium City.

Not a day goes by when its Facebook page isn’t filled with spirited debates on marquee names and obscure actors, on movies art house and commercial, even on extras and long-forgotten tunes. But the real experience is in the group’s four-hour-long get-togethers, when time seems to stand still – just as it would if you were immersed in a particularly absorbing piece of cinema.

A few hours in their company, virtual or otherwise, transforms into a nostalgic trip to Bollywood’s past.

“It’s for all fans of

films

and film stars, and fans who like to eat, sleep and drink films,” introduces Manish Mehrotra, the group’s current admin. “I try to keep the meets informal because I don’t want them becoming too serious.”

‘Film hi Film’ has movie aficionados from Pakistan, and NRIs from the US. There’s a member from Mauritius, besides a few Russians and Israelis. Even TV and film artistes have become part of the extended family, among them the late Narendra Jha, Akhilendra Mishra (of ‘Chandrakanta’ fame), Marathi thespian Anant Jog, Arun Bali and Payal Goga Kapoor.

Every time, around 10 to 15 working professionals from Gurgaon and NCR, each with a passion for the silver screen, would gather anticipatedly for a delightful delve into the stories, characters and culture of Bollywood.

“I’m always there!” says Priti Sagar, whose second child, a daughter, was just two months old when a meet loomed. “I wanted to go – there was no way I could have missed it!

“Even professionally it’s been great because I am a filmmaker by profession. When I came to NCR, I couldn’t find the talent that I wanted, so these guys have been really helpful.”

For Priti, it’s an opportunity to step off the digital treadmill and engage with each other face to face. “You were always in touch virtually and then suddenly that person is there, in front of you. It’s a very nice feeling but you know the person so well, it’s not like you’re meeting them for the first time.

“Because as human beings, we’re hungry for personal contact.”

Deepak Chandra, who joined the community through friends and mutual friends, is drawn to its democratic vibe. “Like, I have an interest in old Bollywood songs, and someone has a good understanding of a certain singer, or knowledge about a screen character. So, all of us would share,” says this devotee of Mohammed Rafi.

Topics in ‘Film hi Film’ sittings go beyond leading men and ladies. Folks would hold forth on villains, fight masters and sidekicks; they might also wax lyrical on singers whose musical interventions gave so many something to remember movies by (outside of the drama and the action).

It’s a platform for many to flaunt their familiarity with the form. “Some of the members have an amazing knowledge of the songs and the music of films,” shares Abhishek Khare, who boasts of a movie collection numbering some 2,000 DVDs and CDs.

“I was amazed. ‘Really, people know even about the background artistes?!’ Priti exclaims. “These people are far, far more knowledgable and evolved than even Google!”

Clearly, the magic of Bollywood, and especially of its evergreen moments, will never lose its charm for these 1,500 cineastes.