Goa: The 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) marked a special milestone today with the 25th anniversary celebration of the iconic Bollywood film Taal. The event featured a special screening of the movie followed by an engaging press conference attended by key figures from the film, including director Subhash Ghai, renowned singer Kavita Krishnamurthy, and actor Jividha Sharma.
In his opening remarks, Subhash Ghai, known as the “Master Showman” of Indian cinema, reflected on the enduring popularity of Taal, a film that remains deeply etched in the hearts of audiences. “It is rare to find someone who has not seen this movie,” Ghai said, celebrating the movie’s timeless appeal. He added that films like Taal have a long life because they resonate with viewers, particularly when they are seeking comfort or inspiration.
The event was also marked by messages from the film’s cast and crew. Anil Kapoor, the lead actor, shared in a video message, “Certain films have a long life, and Taal is one of those. When you are feeling down, you want to watch a movie like Taal.” Saurabh Shukla, who played an important role in the film, praised Ghai’s vision, saying, “Subhash Ghai is the Master Showman of the industry who created many a magnum opus. We should all watch Taal to understand his vision about the big screen.”
One of the film’s groundbreaking achievements was becoming the first Indian film to feature in Variety‘s top 20 box-office list. Ghai recounted how he persuaded A.R. Rahman, the musical genius, to compose the soundtrack for Taal. “I told Rahman, ‘I want to make this musical film. That means you are the hero of my film and I am its director,’” Ghai shared.
The director also explained his creative vision, noting that the lead character’s journey through the movie symbolizes the seven stages of development, inspired by the seven musical notes or ‘Surs’. He highlighted the thematic struggle in the story, with Akshay Khanna representing the purity of love and Anil Kapoor embodying the material world.
Ghai lauded the film’s harmonious synthesis of music, acting, and costume design, explaining that his independence from big studio influences allowed him to focus on his directorial craft without the pressure of box office expectations. “When a director is overly worried about the finances of the film, it definitely eats into his focus on directorial work,” he stated.
Kavita Krishnamurthy shared insights into her dedication to perfecting the film’s songs, recounting hours of practice to capture the right tone. “I tried to sing in a way that would appeal not only to Indian listeners but to audiences across the globe,” Krishnamurthy said.
Jividha Sharma, who played Ila, one of the sisters of the lead actress Aishwarya Rai, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity. “I was new to the industry, and Taal became a perfect opportunity to learn the craft from the best in the industry,” Sharma shared in her closing remarks.
The celebration of Taal at IFFI 2024 not only paid tribute to a film that has left an indelible mark on Indian cinema but also highlighted the collaborative spirit and creative vision that brought it to life.
