Prasoon Joshi Discusses the Art of Storytelling and the Future of Creativity at IFFI 2024 Masterclass

Goa: Renowned author and lyricist Prasoon Joshi shared his valuable insights on the journey from script to screen during a masterclass titled ‘The Journey from Script to Screen: Writing for Film and Beyond’ at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI). Held on the sidelines of the festival in Panaji, Goa, the session highlighted the intricate relationship between creativity, storytelling, and the evolving landscape of the film industry.

Joshi, who is known for his poignant lyrics and thought-provoking writing, began by acknowledging the challenges faced by storytellers in India. “A lot of our story ideas die prematurely,” he remarked, referring to the practical and creative restrictions that often cause filmmakers and writers to lose faith in their ideas. “India is the place where story infanticide happens,” he added, emphasizing the barriers that stifle creative potential.

The lyricist stressed the importance of continuous practice in one’s craft. “There is no substitute for constantly honing your skills. You cannot wait for the opportunity to knock before you start practicing,” he advised budding storytellers.

On the topic of content creation, Joshi shared his belief that true content transcends language. “The best poetry happens in silence,” he said, noting that silence is the “eternal sound that connects us.” He urged filmmakers and writers to demystify the filmmaking process itself. While films can evoke intrigue, he emphasized that the process behind making films should not be shrouded in mystery. “We need to make the process of filmmaking as transparent as the art of storytelling itself,” Joshi remarked.

Reflecting on his own journey, Joshi shared how his childhood experiences deeply influenced his work, particularly his songs for Taare Zameen Par. “When you narrate something deeply personal, it becomes universal,” he explained. Drawing from his own life, he spoke about his mother’s comments on his poetry, which helped shape his writing style, making it accessible and relatable to a wider audience.

The masterclass also touched upon the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the creative industry. Joshi expressed concern over AI’s rapid encroachment into creative fields, something he felt was inevitable but troubling. “AI was supposed to hit creative fields last, but it has affected them first,” he observed. While acknowledging AI’s ability to master mathematical processes, he firmly stated that it could never replicate the depth of a story or poem that emerges from an “ultimate truth.” “It is the creator, not the creation, that is being affected by AI,” he added.

In his closing remarks, Joshi discussed the importance of decentralizing storytelling, ensuring that voices from smaller cities and towns are heard. He highlighted the Creative Minds of Tomorrow (CMOT) initiative, which aims to support and empower storytellers from mofussil areas. “We cannot effectively tell stories from small cities unless filmmakers emerge from those places,” he said. Joshi concluded by stressing the need to make filmmaking accessible to people from every corner of the country to ensure that true stories from India reach the global stage.

The session, moderated by Shri Anant Vijay, was an enriching discussion on the future of Indian cinema and the evolving role of storytelling in an increasingly digital world. Joshi’s reflections on his craft and the challenges of the industry left a lasting impact on the attendees, inspiring the next generation of filmmakers to trust in their unique voices and stories.