'Nobody can make a good film by being influenced'

Shekhar Kapur says nobody can make a good film by being influenced, a director has to tell the story the way he sees it. He says,"Payal (Kapadia) doesn’t look like she has any other influences. Apne dil se hi uski kahani nikli hai."Shekhar says that cinema in India is progressing hugely and more and more people are watching films, making films, and thinking of films. He says,"It is no longer the preserve of hallowed ones - jinki picture chalti hain - bade directors. When I went to Film Bazaar at IFFI, so many people came to me and said, meri film dekho. Cinema in India is alive and thriving. So many people are just watching films, making films, and thinking about films."

Speaking highly of the Manipuri film Boong (2024) and Cannes Grand Prix winner The Zone of Interest, he says that in his career, it’s not the filmmakers but films that have shaped him. And adds that nobody can make a great film by being influenced by a filmmaker; they need to have their own voice.