Saurabh Shukla Discusses His Journey from Theatre to Film with 'Jab Khuli Kitaab'

Saurabh Shukla: A Multifaceted Talent

Saurabh Shukla, known for his iconic roles in films like Satya and his acclaimed performance in Jolly LLB, is currently gaining attention for his touching directorial venture, Jab Khuli Kitaab. This film features renowned actors Pankaj Kapur and Dimple Kapadia, and Shukla shares insights into the creative process behind it.

He offers charming stories about his lead actors and explains how he remains unaffected by fleeting trends in filmmaking. His screenplay has transitioned from stage to screen, showcasing his versatility and passion for storytelling.

Shukla clarifies the journey of adapting his play into a film. Despite his strong ties to theatre, he acknowledges that cinema is his primary source of income, stating, 'Everything I write begins as a film.'

His participation in the Adhyam Theatre Festival led to the play catching the attention of Sameer Nair from Applause Entertainment, which initiated its transformation into a film. Pankaj Kapur was his first choice for the role, while casting Dimple Kapadia was a challenge due to her star status and recent work with Christopher Nolan on Tenet.

Fortunately, both actors agreed to join the project, which Shukla considers a blessing. Interestingly, he never intended to cast himself in the film, reflecting on his upbringing where self-promotion was not prioritized. He emphasizes that Pankaj's involvement added depth to the film, particularly in a pivotal scene that was co-written by the two actors.

In an era dominated by fast-paced films, Shukla chose to create a tender love story set in the later stages of life. He explains, 'As an artist, I adhere to my own sensibilities. I focus on what I know rather than what audiences expect. The cinematic landscape was vastly different when I co-wrote Satya in 1998.'

The film's release on OTT platforms like Zee5 has liberated him from commercial pressures, allowing for a more authentic storytelling approach. He believes that streaming services have provided opportunities for creators with unique voices, and films like Jab Khuli Kitaab can thrive on word-of-mouth rather than box office numbers.

Shukla candidly admits that he doesn't hold the same directorial prestige as he does as an actor, but he hopes his film resonates with viewers. He stresses the importance of enjoying the filmmaking process, likening it to a game of table tennis where each moment counts.

He learned from industry veterans like Ram Gopal Varma to start with the most engaging parts of a story, emphasizing the significance of a well-crafted script. He asserts that no matter how talented an actor is, their performance hinges on the quality of the writing.

For aspiring actors, Shukla advises embracing life fully—reading, singing, dancing, and observing the world around them. He believes that a broad understanding of life enhances one's acting abilities. As a director, he prefers to give his actors creative freedom, enjoying the unique interpretations they bring to their roles.

Regardless of current trends, Shukla remains true to his artistic vision. He hints at another upcoming film, keeping its genre a secret. While he may view his life as an open book, he acknowledges that exploring art leads to deeper self-discovery, intertwining life and creativity as he continues his artistic journey.

Insightful Reflections

You can’t do anything great if it’s inherently not there in the script. At best, you can save yourself as an actor which I have done n number of times.