Introduction

This URL includes all my media related work, from interviews to reviews, poetry and photography- in the order of the date and time posted.
Most of them are published in Gargi College Newspaper, Oracle that I was heading, while a few are unpublished.

Punit Malhotra – Debutant Director of ‘I Hate Luv Storys’ on Film-Making, the ways of Bollywood and on how hard work is the key to success

Congratulations on the success of IHLS. Your directorial debut, which too under a big banner like Dharma Productions did amazingly well. How do you feel?
Thanks so much. It’s always a nice feeling to do something and come out good. It was a big break and I would have never forgiven myself had I messed it up… so I gave it everything I had. So yes, all in all it feels great.

You started off as a Model, so how did you turn towards film-making? Most models want to go on screen.
Well that was the plan; I did want to act as well. As a matter of fact I still get lots offers to play the “main lead” in films. However direction just happened. I had a script that I had written and I was just too close to it to let anyone else direct it… so I ended up doing it by myself.
Assisting Karan Johar for almost ten years, how would you describe the experience of working with him?
Karan is am immensely popular person. I know him since I was a kid and have great regard and respect for him. He will always be someone senior. But on set and at work he is the most fun person to be around. He treats everyone on merit and is the perfect balance between fun and work. I truly feel privileged and lucky to have worked with him.

Like most directors, you didn’t take a professional course in film-making. What do you feel, is studying the field is as important, or does working under someone sharpen your skills better?
It is important to study. I feel kids who come with an education are very well prepared. On the flip side it’s as important to get some work experience. I firmly believe that what you learn on the field is something you can’t learn anywhere else. So… there are no fixed rules. But given a choice I think it’s more important to get some hands on experience.
IHLS was a romantic comedy that targeted the younger audience mainly. A few critics did not give a favourable opinion on the movie. Does that bother you?
It’s not like the critics didn’t like it…. most liked it some didn’t. IHLS had a very specific target audience; we knew that from day 1. I am of the belief that the older critics didn’t take to it because they couldn’t identify with the film. What worked for me is that the younger critics like it a lot. But again, honest to god, I didn’t even read one review because according to me it wasn’t a film for the critics anyway. So in that way I stayed unaffected.

Rumour has it that Imran Khan’s character, Jay who doesn’t believe in love stories was actually a bit autobiographical! Is that true?
Ha ha ha… in some ways yes. I have always run away from the idea of love. Even the current generation would like to believe that they fall in love every now and then but I think their threshold of going through with things in far lesser. I am no different. In this case you may get the impression that it’s autobiographical because I have written the story, screenplay and dialogue apart from directing the film. So I guess some of my flavour is bound to come in.

Tell us about your upcoming projects!
I am currently in the process of scripting my next film… that’s about it. We are meant to make all further announcements in a couple of months.

Do you feel having contacts in the film industry helps you get where you want to be? What about the people who are not as resourceful?
I would be lying if I said that contacts don’t help. But again it goes beyond the contacts. Ultimately it’s your talent and your work that speaks. If you are not good at what you do no one will entertain you because at the end of the day the people who judge you are the audiences and they really don’t care about any “contacts”
Lastly, a piece of advice you would give to our amateur film makers and directors?
Watch a lot of films and just put your head down and work no substitute to hard work. Don’t ever lose hope, it will all work out. Be optimistic because everyone gets their shot.

Let There Be Light

Let There Be Light (2006)

I see a school....
Where my dreams are fulfilled
Where knowledge is wealth
Where values are instilled
Where impossibility is a challenge
And not a failure
Where sky is the limit
And hard work the path.

I see a school...
Where a stone is carved
And shone as a gem
Where you are told
“Let there be light.”
Where a bit of a polish is given,
To make dull students bright.

I see a school...
Where I wish to study
And I see myself maturing with time
I learn the value of a nickel and dime
Keeping my goal focussed in sight
I imagine myself proudly saying.
“I am a Mayoite.”

Standing Inside

Standing Inside (2007)

I stood outside
The tall heavy school gate,
Watching the tall building
Which was standing strong
Like a master of its own fate.

Tears rolled down my cheek
As I left my parents and friends
But I had to go and seek
My future at the other end.

“I had to do it.” I told myself
“I had to face it.” I explained to myself.
So I left my fear at the gate,
And walked towards my awaited fate.
I kept up my confident stride,
Feeling a great sense of pride.

I saw a school
Where the girls are friendly
And the teachers respected,
Where time is worthy
And hard work appreciated
Where knowledge is wealth
And values are instilled,
Where an obstacle is your strength
And not your failure.
I saw a school
Which felt like home and,
Here I was taught the value of time
And i learnt that if I wanted
Every opportunity could be mine.
I realised i had to
Plant my own garden and
Nurture my own soul.
And i understood that i really could endure
And that i really do have worth.

I turned to stare at the tall building
Which was standing strong
Like the master of its own fate.
I smiled to myself because this time
I was inside the gate.

Glowing Air

Weaving Your Destiny

To Oblivion