Behind the Scenes with Bollywood director Sajid Ali at Karim City College Jamshedpur

Jamshedpur: The Mass Communication Department of Karim City College organized a special lecture and Q&A session today under the initiative Cine-Chaupal, featuring renowned Hindi film director Sajid Ali. Known for his acclaimed films “Woh Bhi Din The” and “Laila Majnu,” which recently achieved great success upon re-release, Sajid Ali shared his insights and experiences with the students.

The event began with a screening of Sajid Ali’s film “Laila Majnu” at 1 pm, attended by students from various departments, including Mass Communication, BBA, BCA, and BSc IT. The screening was well-received, sparking enthusiastic discussions among the students.

Dr. Neha Tiwari, Head of the Mass Communication Department, warmly welcomed Sajid Ali, highlighting the long-standing relationship between him and the department. She noted that several alumni have been associated with Sajid Ali since the production of his first film, with many making successful careers in Mumbai’s film industry thanks to his guidance and support.

In his address, Sajid Ali expressed his deep connection with the Mass Communication Department, referring to it as his “second home in Jamshedpur.” He praised the department for fostering a vibrant film culture in the city and applauded the achievements of its students in the Mumbai film industry.

During the Q&A session, Sajid Ali shared intriguing behind-the-scenes details about the casting process of “Laila Majnu,” revealing that lead actors Tripti Dimri and Avinash Tiwari were selected after a rigorous process involving around 1,000 auditions. He also elaborated on the philosophical underpinnings of the film, explaining its exploration of love as a path to spiritual enlightenment.

The students engaged Sajid Ali with a variety of questions, ranging from the technical aspects of filmmaking to his personal creative choices. When asked why he didn’t opt for a happy ending in “Laila Majnu,” Sajid Ali explained, “In my view, it was a happy ending because both characters reached a state of Nirvana.” He encouraged the students to look beyond conventional narratives and embrace deeper, more meaningful storytelling.

Sajid Ali also shared his thoughts on the role of a director, the importance of collaboration with cinematographers, and the challenges of managing multiple departments during film production. Reflecting on his decision to shoot “Laila Majnu” in Kashmir, he spoke about his personal connection to the region and the significance of its breathtaking landscapes to the film’s narrative.

In a parting piece of advice to aspiring filmmakers, Sajid Ali urged the students to minimize their reliance on mobile phones and engage more with the world around them to create authentic, relatable stories.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks from the Principal of Karim City College, Dr. Mohammad Riyaz, who honored Sajid Ali with flowers and mementoes. He expressed his gratitude for Sajid Ali’s contributions, hoping for continued collaboration with the Mass Communication Department. Sajid Ali promised to return soon, leaving after a photo session with the students.

The session was attended by faculty members Dr. Rashmi Kumari, Tanmay Singh Solanki, Tasir Shahid, Bapi Murmu, and representatives from other departments, including Dr. Aftab and Kasturi of BBA. The event was skillfully organized by Syed Sajid Parvez, Syed Shahzeb Parvez, and Shazia Parveen, making it a memorable experience for all present.