Film director Neeraj Sahai left Lucknow to pursue a career in the film industry in 1991. After 33 years, he is a happy man as what he set out to achieve is getting fulfilled.
“Without a godfather or any family member in the industry, the struggle becomes long. In those days there were very few training institutes, so I started assisting filmmakers to climb the ladder. It was only in 2010 that I got to make my directorial debut with i and since then I helmed four more projects and working on my next,” says the 58-year-old filmmaker.
Sahai adds, “Today, things are much easier as people come to the industry fully prepared – armed with training and education. While we have learned everything on the go. I have worked in literally every department to learn all about filmmaking. Industry also values trained people else it’s very tough as nepotism is there to stay forever. For non-industry people like us, the route is longer, but surely there is always a room for talent.”
Talking about his journey, Sahai says, “I started with assisting Mazhar Khan in the film Gang which was eventually released after many years. I also assisted director Umesh Mehra in multiple films including Sabse Bada Khiladi (1995), Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi (1996) and Qila followed by others. My debut film as a director was with yesteryear stars Kadar Khan, Shakti Kapoor, Asrani and others. Then I directed Ssimran with Pakistani actors Meera, Mahima Choudhary and Aryan Vaid in 2011 which was eventually released on OTT in 2023. I have also directed the film Kuch Pal Pyaar Ke and the series Life in Bollywood with newcomers which will release on OTT.”
{{/usCountry}}Talking about his journey, Sahai says, “I started with assisting Mazhar Khan in the film Gang which was eventually released after many years. I also assisted director Umesh Mehra in multiple films including Sabse Bada Khiladi (1995), Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi (1996) and Qila followed by others. My debut film as a director was with yesteryear stars Kadar Khan, Shakti Kapoor, Asrani and others. Then I directed Ssimran with Pakistani actors Meera, Mahima Choudhary and Aryan Vaid in 2011 which was eventually released on OTT in 2023. I have also directed the film Kuch Pal Pyaar Ke and the series Life in Bollywood with newcomers which will release on OTT.”
{{/usCountry}}The filmmaker shot his upcoming film in Lucknow in November last year. “I was born in Mirzapur but have done my schooling and then college at Lucknow University. It was a very different world then, so I captured the current scenario in my film The UP Files. My next is also based on politics but this time the canvas will be of pan-India level we will title it Vishwa Guru. A portion will be shot in Lucknow as well,” says Sahai on his recent visit to Lucknow.