Kalyaani Singh, the director and writer of the film, is one of those selected cinematic personalities who have achieved a significant position in the film industry through their hard work and talent. Starting her career as a film journalist, Kalyaani Singh founded the “Right Image International” company and produced films like “Gunahgaar”, “Jurmana”, “Raja Bhaiya”, “Krishnavatar”, “Kranti Kshetra”, “Gehri Chaal”, “Maine Gandhi Ko Kyun Mara”, and set trends with the TV serial “Aashiana” and in the advertising world, making her mark. Kalyani Singh, who established her identity in Hollywood by taking training in film direction from the Academy of legendary director Martin Scorsese and understanding the nuances of film direction perfectly, is currently very excited about her upcoming film “Nanak Naam Jahaz Hai”, which is scheduled for a worldwide release on May 24, 2024, and is being released by Reliance Entertainment. Let me inform our readers that a super hit Punjabi film came out in 1969 with the same name, which created such a history that no one has been able to surpass it till date.
This was the world’s first and only film, where viewers would take off their shoes and slippers, cover their heads, and enter the cinema halls. It’s not an exaggeration to say that in the eyes of those viewers, “Nanak Naam Jahaz Hai” was no less than a Gurudwara, because their perception was that they were not going to watch a film but going to a Gurudwara.
Question: How did the idea of making the film “Nanak Naam Jahaz Hai” come to your mind? “With the sudden entry of corporates into the film industry, about 90% of film producers in the film industry had to shut down their offices. Even producers who had made films with big stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Shahrukh Khan, Govinda, Ajay Devgan, and Akshay Kumar were also caught in the grip of corporates, and we were one of them.
When we started planning for a new film, we faced the daunting challenge of deciding which film to make that could serve as a strong foundation for us. Suddenly, the idea came to Maann Singh ji’s mind that if we were to get the title “Nanak Naam Jahaz Hai”, then what could be a bigger film than this? This is a name that dwarfs even big stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Shahrukh Khan, Ajay Devgan, Govinda, and Akshay Kumar.
It was Baba Nanak’s grace that we got the title of this holy name. I am telling you the truth that we hadn’t even dreamt that the biggest star of this world, or let’s say the most prestigious project, Baba Nanak Ji, would land in our lap. This title was not just a coincidence for us; it was a clear indication from Baba Nanak Ji that this film was meant only for us to make, otherwise why would we get this title?
Question: What was your first step after getting the title? I mean to say, this film’s title indicates that it’s a very sensitive subject, and if there’s even a slight mistake, the Sikh community might not tolerate it. “After getting this title, our responsibilities increased significantly. We tried to find a good story from many writers, but we were disappointed; we couldn’t find any story that could touch the heart.”
We started taking every step cautiously. Firstly, we learned the Punjabi language. After that, Maann Singh ji has many Sikh friends who have good knowledge of Baba Nanak Ji’s context. We formed a team with them and kept consulting them regularly and seeking their advice.
As we couldn’t find a story, we started feeling disheartened. Then Maann Singh ji suggested that since the story is scattered around you, you should gather it. Then I compiled those events that had happened with people by Baba’s grace. Honestly, this film is not just a film but a true expression of faith and belief. When you all watch this film, believe me, somewhere it will resonate with your own story or the story of your own people.
Question: Will you direct this film yourself? Was this not initially planned even after getting the title? I am asking this question because before this, you have Produced many big films, but all of those films had different directors?”
“I am telling you the truth, initially I didn’t plan to direct this film. After getting the title, we contacted several Punjabi directors, but after discussing with them, Maann Singh ji was not satisfied, and he decided that now I have to direct this film because I had written the entire script. I lived every scene moment by moment, engraved it in my heart, so the justice I can do with this film, perhaps no one else can. After Maann Singh ji’s decision, our significant responsibility began.”
Question: As a film producer, you have produced many big films, directed trend-setting TV serials like “Aashiana,” and also made several advertisement films. What made you feel the need to train under Hollywood legend director Martin Scorsese?
“Whatever I have achieved today is largely due to the immense contribution of my husband, Maann Singh ji, and my son, Vedant Singh. During the filmmaking process, both of them constantly boosted my morale, and it was with their encouragement that I was able to direct such a big film. My son suggested that before directing such an iconic film, I should join the academy of Hollywood legend director Martin Scorsese so that I could understand the nuances of film direction deeply. Following my son’s advice, he enrolled me in Martin Scorsese’s academy, where I underwent six months of direction training.”
Question: When your script was complete, why did you have Mukesh Rishi, Vindu Dara Singh, Dolly Mattoo and Sardar Sohi in mind while selecting actors? Why not anyone else?
“In our film industry, there are many versatile actors, but the actors chosen for the characters in our film, when you watch the film, you will realize that only those actors could have portrayed those characters, and there was no other option.”
Question: Are you planning any film production in the future?
“Yes, we have three films in mind: ‘Kyoon Chup Hai Ganga,’ ‘Jholjhaal Dot Com,’ and ‘Kaash Tumse Mohabbat Na Hoti.'”
Question: Would you like to say something to your readers and viewers?
“Absolutely, I would like to say to all the people of the world, especially those who have true faith and devotion in the Divine, Baba Nanak Dev Ji, that they must watch this film.”
Excusive Interview With Kalyaani Singh (Director And Writer) Of The Film NANAK NAAM JAHAZ HAI
