New Delhi, Ramesh Sippy, the renowned Bollywood director, reminisces about his childhood fascination with films. At seven years old, he visited a film set, witnessed his father direct, and fell in love with the movies. Seventy-two years later, Sippy is set to weave more magic with another epic saga, 'Buniyaad', a story that tugs at the heartstrings.
Sippy, the son of producer-director G P Sippy and the director of blockbuster films like 'Sholay', 'Seeta Aur Geeta', and 'Shaan', credits his father for instilling in him a passion for filmmaking. He recalls leaving college in London midway to work on his father's sets, where he learned the ropes of filmmaking.
The story of 'Sholay', which turned 50 last year, is a testament to Sippy's collaboration with Salim-Javed, the screenwriter duo. The film, starring Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachchan, and Hema Malini, is one of the most celebrated and recalled Hindi films of all time.
Discussing the film's enduring popularity, Sippy says, 'Everyone has their own take on 'Sholay'. And this makes it particularly difficult for me to describe it.' He adds, 'I've made the film for the people. So if it's really up to them to enjoy it the way they want.'
With a lifetime achievement award at the International Film Festival Delhi, Sippy is now working on his memoir and a documentary about his life and work. His son, director Rohan Sippy, and grandson Zahan Kapoor, who is also the grandson of Shashi Kapoor, carry on the family legacy.
