Exploring Punjab's Rich Heritage Through Documentaries: A Filmmaker's Journey

Filmmaker Rajeev Kumar is on a mission to document Punjab's rich cultural heritage through impactful documentaries. With a focus on the region's theatre and visual arts, Kumar's work highlights significant historical milestones and contemporary issues. His recent projects, including Parda Uthan Te and Punjab di Chitarkala, aim to educate and engage audiences, showcasing the beauty and struggles of Punjab. As he navigates the challenges of documentary filmmaking in India, Kumar remains optimistic about the future of meaningful content in a landscape often dominated by sensationalism. Discover how these films are set to inspire a new appreciation for Punjab's artistic legacy.

By Narendra Chaudhary | Apr 9, 2025, 06:05 IST

The Importance of Documenting History

“If it’s not documented, it didn’t happen.” This statement underscores the significance of documentation, a field that requires additional motivation. While India recently celebrated an Oscar win for its documentary, The Elephant Whisperers, and continues to gain international recognition for its documentaries, this genre still caters to a niche audience.

Rajeev Kumar's Passion for Documentaries

National Award-winning filmmaker Rajeev Kumar is dedicated to capturing Punjab's rich cultural heritage and contemporary issues. Despite his success with films like Nabar, he emphasizes that his journey in cinema began with non-fiction. His involvement in Surabhi, India’s longest-running cultural series, sparked his passion for documenting reality. Even during his time at the Department of Indian Theatre at Panjab University, he produced a documentary on the influential Punjabi poet Avtar Singh Pash.

Recent Works Highlighting Punjab's Artistic Legacy

Recently, Kumar has produced several documentaries, including two that delve into Punjab's theatrical history and visual arts. Directed by Tarsem Singh Sidhu, Punjab di Chitarkala chronicles the evolution of painting throughout history. Another documentary, Parda Uthan Te, directed by Jagdish Tiwari, serves as a valuable resource.

A Deep Dive into Punjabi Theatre

Parda Uthan Te not only recounts the creation of the first Punjabi play, Sharab Kaur, in 1895, but also provides a comprehensive overview of Punjabi theatre's rich tradition. It highlights key figures, from Norah Richards, a pioneer in Punjabi theatre, to contemporary artists who have elevated the craft.

Visual Arts and Educational Initiatives

Punjab di Chitarkala also emphasizes the importance of visual arts education. Tarsem notes, “This film is designed for students, aiming to debunk myths and showcase Punjab’s invaluable artistic heritage.” It spans from the Kushan period to the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, while also addressing current trends in art, including the impact of AI.

Challenges and Future Prospects

While Kumar acknowledges the challenges of producing these documentaries, particularly in engaging stakeholders, he believes in their archival significance. He reflects, “These films should have been made long ago.” The inspiration for these projects largely stems from NRI Jasjeet Singh, who previously produced The Black Prince, focusing on Maharaja Duleep Singh's life. Initially hesitant, Kumar was eventually convinced by Singh’s vision to highlight Punjab's beauty and struggles.

Distribution and Audience Engagement

These documentaries will soon be available on YouTube and the Quam TV app. Currently, Kumar is presenting them to audiences in fine arts and theatre departments across Punjab, receiving positive feedback. Experts regard these films as essential resources for those interested in these fields.

The Future of Documentary Filmmaking in India

Although documentary viewing is not yet a widespread practice in India, Kumar remains hopeful, especially with the ease of distribution through platforms like YouTube. He states, “The democratization of distribution has changed the game.” While creating documentaries may not be financially lucrative at present, he believes it will evolve into a profitable venture over time. However, he acknowledges the need for government support, particularly for documentaries addressing sensitive issues like illegal mining, which may provoke backlash from authorities. Ultimately, he is counting on viewer support to drive success.

A Shift in Documentary Content

As many OTT platforms lean towards sensationalism, Kumar sees a growing appetite for diverse, meaningful content since the pandemic. He believes there is ample audience interest for documentaries that serve a purpose. He views himself as a storyteller, navigating the fine line between factual documentation and creative expression, as seen in his film Dushman, which is based on a real-life honor killing case in Haryana.