X
Yet, what we do create all kind of man-made disasters causing climate change, bring floods, droughts, tsunamis, forest fires, drying and dyeing rivers, destroying wildlife, disfiguring the beautiful face of Mother Earth, “IF WOONDED MOTHER EARTH COULD SPEAK ,WHAT WOULD SHE SAY?” I doubt no one of those leaders gathered in Paris have answer to this deeply burning question.
Recently in 2015, some 180 countries leaders gathered at Paris to find out the solution to the serious planet threating problem. They came loaded with ideas, they luxuriously discussed plans, and they left with hollow answer- what an economic laugh. The problems, leaders gathered to discuss, I have been shouting the same from the rooftops. Since early 60s though my environmental themed films to save the mother earth till as recently as 2014 in my recent docu-drama short films, “the Green Giraffe” but alas nobody CARED, Its noteworthy that for these nature films, I haven’t taken funds from any government, wildlife organisations or NGOs. My source of funding is my own, my family, friends, close relatives who fully support and believe in my cause. I’ll go on fighting as one man army till I die with my boots on, in African Savannah.
Born and raised in farming family, in warm heart of Africa, Malawi, I grew up surrounded by wilderness in one of my father’s remote farm, that bordered a river on one side, and the other side stood a forested hill, from the main gravel road a private track about 2 kilometer lined with trees lead to the farm house. There were always Impalas, Dik-diks, Gazelles crossing the path, in the nights a regular visitor Leopard was no intimidation, Hyenas created laughs like humans around midnight. On the panoramic sunsets, a pair of Cheetas would appear on the tracks, from the river going up the hill. A magnificent Kudu family of four always accompanied with herd of Impalas, their best friends, were my only neighbor resident on the farm's protected bush, the troop of baboons and monkeys were always busy jumping around the branches of huge trees on the river bank or simply sat on the little rock, helping each other to look for lices in their thick coats. The bird life in abundance, once I counted up to 30 species then gave up, so rich and colorful, the flocks of Guineafowls came from the hill for evening drink. Dark nights were scary but free of fear. This world of my little paradise, I wished to preserve and handover to the coming generation, but how? In one of magazine I read an article that the most powerful tool to spread one's message across was through media. My hope was enhanced.
The first movie camera I bought was Reviera 8MM, this provided me with a gifted insight into how to capture on camera, this was late 50s. Encouraged with the results, I ventured further to buy 16MM Bolex, surrounded by untouched wilderness, I soon learnt how to find the animals undisturbed and just as importantly how to approach them, for me now there were only two missions of life, Farming and Filming.
My adventures along with my local friends resulted going into far and far in thick bush- one such place, beyond Zalanyama, Luangwa Valley where Africa’s one of great rivers, Luangwa cuts through majestically the Land of Africa’s “BigFive” (Elephants, Rhinos, Buffalos, Leopards and Lions) became my favorite wilderness to film.
Sooner or later it had to happen as I was always warned, we stood face to face, with seven furiously looking men, unshaven faces, full of dust, torned dirty clothes, broken tyre made shoe but “big guns”. One came forward to snatch the camera, I gave it politely with a smile. The other huge guy ordered him to return the camera and disappeared into the thick of the bush. It was God’s mercy that we were left alive in mid of wild country and embience of flowing mighty Luangwa. Facing death face to face and escaping unhurt made my mission more defiant. These poachers left alone would destroy the wildlife in our lifetime only,what are we going to tell our next generation. As we were walking back silently, we heard gunshots, it was obvious what was happening. I made up my mind firmly to fight for the cause and the time to act was NOW.
I set out for India, once in India, I stepped in Tinseltown where people came with dreams and I came with a purpose to save our beautiful planet. I needed initial push, my intuition played well. First of all I made up my mind to meet the dashing hero Dharmendra who was born at village NASRALI, Punjab just 2 miles away from my village, since we share the same vicinity, he’ll not disappoint me. I rented a cottage at Juhu beach, in neighborhood of Janki Kutir, home of intellectual film people, this became my home for nearly next 3 decades. I started to explore the film world, One day I found myself at the front door of Dharmendra’s flat, pressing the bell. The door opens and to my sheer luck there was my favorite actor in the main hall, the handsome Dharmendar ji. I can never forget his charismatic smile, I was made comfortable over cup of tea and some sweets from back home Punjab, specially ‘Ladoos’. It was a remarkable needed ‘initial push’. When i left the place of this very friendly man, I knew this is one Indian actor who can walk in the African Savannah as relaxed as John Wayne in Hollywood film “HATARI”. My unending journey started.
One day walking down to my cottage after jogging at the beach, a romantic name at Shack’s gate attracted me, as approached close, it read “Whispering Windows”, all of a sudden gatekeeper opened the door and there a great personality was relaxing on a couch in the yard with big tea tray, kettle covered with Thick Tea cozy and Black Forest Cake, Raaj Kumar, a star I never even thought of meeting in my wildest dream. Seeing an uninvited guest, he collected himself to sit, with his thundering voice, and chaste Urdu invited me to join him for “high noon tea” as his good friend, director Chetan Anand didnot show up. I briefly introduced myself, the mention of Africa settled us for a long evening talk. He offered me lift home, I thanked and said I was just two/three minutes away from my cottage. As I was leaving I asked him to suggest me some intellectual film writers, without any hesitation he said one is right here behind my shack Kaifi Azmi Saab.
Next morning i am at the cottage of Kaifi Azmi Saab, he wholeheartedly said. “KHOOSH AMDEED”, “Shukriya” I responded, as he offered me a seat, called for some tea, the tea came in typical English style. When I asked if I can come again for friendly chat, the answer was so warm, “Please come whenever you feel like, drop in “. Eventually just with sheer luck I met Akhtar-Ul-Imaan Saab, K.A. Abbas Saab, and then of course Dr. Rahi Masoom Raza, who even became family friend. These intellectual writers were my circle of friends all of them had highly commercialized film formulas well-conceived subjects but my concept was completely opposite. I wanted to make movie that would spread message to preserve wildlife. Eventually Rahi Saab advised me to make “jungle book” in Hindi, and you’ll never go wrong”, my answer was, “It is an animated film, i want to show the real wild life”.
Every day brought a new hope, one day God changed the whole scenario, Angles descended on my cottage, at Juhu, my mother abruptly came to visit me, hearing this Dharmender ji’s mother visited her (my mother) what went on between two grand old ladies was kind of mystery. Out of this, God willingly, a most beautiful moment of life came, an arranged marriage was agreed upon. I was married in The Deol Family. True the marriages are made in heaven(if I may add here) but they are blessed on earth.
As the time passed, I decided to make film on the theme close to my heart, my friend in Africa assured me of full support. So director Dulal Guha, writer Akhtar Ul’man, D.O.P, G. Singh were in flight with me to Kenya to scout the location. Once at Nairobi we straight drove to Arusha, gateway to the wilderness, as we just drove outside city of Nairobi, we slowed down to the snail speed, The graceful giraffes were leisurely crossing the road, as we approached Amboseli the heaven of wilderness in the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro. There were huge hard of Zebras, Impalas, Gazelles and Wildebeests. Then there was this march of Elephants, led by huge female, followed by 60/70 members of troop, marching majestically with the back drop of snowcapped peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro, from the day one to the last, There were encounters with Lions, Rhinos and diverse of wild life that Africa alone can boast. In the evenings after dinners on bonfire Dharmender ji was always the topic that how appropriate he would be for this adventurous film, inspired with John Wayne’s work in HATARI for which Akhtar Saab also gave a name, “SAFARI” and we all clapped. Akhtar Saab already started weaving a story line.
On our return, Singh Saab wasn’t very enthusiast to film there as he felt terrain was too rough and teeming with wildlife. There would be no room to move filming equipment. Akhtar Saab was of view that an adventure movie can be crafted without hindrance, while Dulal Guha was neutral. Akhtar Saab wrote a story of our thrilling location scouting which was published in “Shama” a prestigious urdu magazine from Delhi.
Keeping hope alive, I found myself in Calcutta, waiting for author of a novel in my hotel’s lounge, a calm composed simple man cladded in white dhoti kurta with thick spectacle appeared, holding a book in his hand , I could rote title “SATYAKAM”. He explained the story exposing the bribery and corruption in officialdom right up to its highest level. Mr. Narayan Sanyal, the writer warned me the hurdles I’ll face due to its truthfulness about the corruption in the government. Accepting the challenge deal was done, before he left he said, “one more thing”, he held my hand, “Dharmji was born to play my hero Satyapriya”. I instantly replied, “ your “Satyapriya” have suggested me to film your novel.” He let my hand slip slowly and disappeared in crowd outside the hotel, leaving me with his book to bring his hero Satyapriya alive on screen.
Even as a debutant producer, under the direction of cineaste director Hrishikesh Mukherjee, I mounted the biggest cast and crew of the era and dared to high light and handle such a topical theme corruption, which no producer has attempt so whole heartedly basing the entire film on it. In late 60s, Meanwhile I was so sure that man will land on moon, got my 30”x40” posters printed,” soon the landing of Armstrong news was splashed, we displaced the posters overnight throughout the Bombay city, I was the first producer in the world, announcing “First man on Moon “Armstrong”, First film on truth “Satyakam””. Thus achieved ‘FIRST’ milestone, other FIRSTS’ are :
50 years passed, film industry forgot about debutant producer, who dared to make a corruption “Themed movie”. This injustice of quietness of 50 year's have compelled me to open up, though some bigwigs would call me, ‘a fiddler on the roof.’ No government body , no head of any film organization, no any politician, no any star of Hindi Cinema ever spoken a word about “Satyakam”, press once called it “cinecraft at its best” gone quite too. All quiet on the “Satyakam” front.
Since the film exposed the corruption in officialdom and I had no LOBBYIST, the film was sabotaged by the malicious rivalry who played dirty politics. Dharmenderji was deprived of the National award for a lead actor, even today if you watch his excellent rendering of death scene. There is no artificiality whatsoever in those last dying moments. But corruption overrides decision of the award policy makers, Dharmenderji stood like rock of Gibaralter with me during the release. We the whole team are proud of making “Satyakam”.
Solly Desai, one of close friend from Malawi, Africa, always visited me at our farm, appreciated wilderness, well established in UK, was fully supportive to do a film on wildlife in Africa, we finalized Kenya due to Kenyan Govt.’s full support and less hassles, minimum paper work. So, Solly arranged everything in Kenya, and with the great help of my friends in Kenya, and my fully committed dedicated unit of cast and crew, “HABARI” a beautiful wildlife film was crafted with the precious help of Mohinder Dhillon, Surinder Mangat, Avtar Basan, Ali Tawaha and Shahji. The film was dedicated to the “Year of the Child” and when released it became huge hit with children. At opening of the film in a cinema at Ashram road in Ahmedabad, the honourable Governor of Gujrat was invited to grace the show, even just for 10 minutes, being environmental film, he kindly agreed to honor us. He liked the opening so much, settled to watched the whole film, while in the hall children went on clapping and whistling with joy on each scene that unfolded the grandure of the wild animals. At the end of the show I humbly approached the honorable Governernor to hear his comments. I quote his words, “Not only India, but the entire world needs films like this, keep the spirit alive”. Hearing this, our distributor of Gujarat was overwhelmed with joy and straight away offered me full fund for my next movie, adding with broad smile, “But with Raaj Kumar Saab.” ( obviously a great fan of Raaj Kumar) .
The third encounter. First, met by chance at his Juhu shack, second, when he attended my wedding reception and holding my hand warmly whispered in my ear, “Punchhe your better half is a charming personality”, Third one was professional, Raaj Saab told our production in charge, “ Show me Punchhe’s directorial work, but chance are low that I’ll do the film, make this clear to them.”(meaning me and my producer K. Yogi)
Screening of my work as director for film, “Habari” was fixed at Sumeet, producer-director Parkash Mehra’s private theatre. 6pm, right at dot Raaj Saab arrives in his black and white Chevrolet car, the producer warmly received him. The actor in his style greeted us all, It was decided that he alone would be in the hall to watch the show. The show started Parkash Ji before leaving us alone said, “ Punchhe Ji he’ll be gone after seeing the first reel”. I went to the projection room to see Raaj Saab’s reaction, he was engrossed to the screen. After first reel I came down, to my surprise Parkash Ji was still there, I said to him , “ Well first reel is over and he is still there.” he promptly said, “yes but there are 16 more to go” and left for home. I again went to projection room, Yogiji and Bhushan in the reception, fully alert in case unhappiness happens. At the interval Raaj Saab signaled the operator to carry on without break and I thanked God my prayers were being heard. As the end flashed on screen I rushed to reception, theatre door opens, Raaj Saab comes out in a happy mood, embraces me and announces”, we are working together, I can see you have mind to make meaningful cinema” and left, what a positive evening. At home my wife was eagerly waiting to hear the outcome of trial, when I broke the good news, her joy knew no bonds, gave me affectionate smile and touched Baba Nanak’s photo, and the strength of that smile still keeps me going.
“Galiyon Kaa Badshah” one of the biggest multi star cast of the era was assembled with top class crew, the movie mounted the sets at Mehboob studios, Filmstaan Studios, and Madh Island became our main outdoor sets. The film shoot went on regularly, ours was one of the big unit filming in and around Mumbai city. Right at the fag end of shoot, movie suffered a setback, our financers ran into some problems that affected our progress badly. One day Raaj Saab called me for dinner at his Juhu shack to discuss the fate of film, suggested that I must take responsibility to complete the film then only everyone will cooperate to complete the film. “Yes Raaj Saab, The show must go on” was my answer and I found myself knocking the doors of the cast and crew and I was awarded with full cooperation and shoot resumed to complete in dignified way. Release meetings were being held with all India distributors who were very cooperative and enthusiastic, to fix one simultaneously release date, atmosphere was favorable, everybody happy, as they say, man purposes and God disposes, a thunder bolt from the blue strike, the film was pirated that was unbearable, left us all totally heart broken. After a few weeks of this unfortunate happening, got a call from Raaj Saab, the sympathetic emotional voice came,” Sher Khan you done what you could do to release “our” film but I guess it wasn’t in my fate to see best film of my life after “Mother India”” his voice chocked and he cut the line. It gave me my life’s biggest jolt , a brave heart like Raaj Saab , sobbing like a little helpless baby. One thing I can say with pride if this film was released in a way it was made, it would have made me Raaj Saab’s Sher Khan as he affectionately called me Mehboob khan’s small brother. Raaj Saab had the tremendous respect for Mehboob Saab, than who wouldn’t have, a great film maker. On and off the sets he often use to share with me his experience of working with Mehboob Saab.
Sometime in the past, a visitor to India, Mr. Ayoob Khan with his gracefully charming wife from Botswana , Africa, were in Bombay and looking forward to see shoot of big stars and found us at Mudh Island, where I was filming with 100 strong unit with Raaj Saab and Samita Patil. We welcomed him to spend the day with us. They were so pleased when Raaj Saab and Samita Ji made them feel comfortable. Before leaving they invited us to Botswana.....Mr. Khan phoned to remind me to visit them and had read somewhere in newspaper about “Galiyon Kaa Badshah”, “it will give you a fresh start for change”, so I took the God sent opportunity.
GABORONE I found myself in plain landing at this small moderate airport. People so friendly around and there I was welcomed by a broad smiled face of Mr. Khan, a God fearing humble man whom I started addressing as Ayoob Bhai instantly. As we drove to his house in town on the gravel road cutting through the small thick shrubs, a few Impalas crossed our way and handsome male Impala with curvy horn stood in middle of road majestically, I fell instantly in love with Botswana. The beautiful country became my home for a long time to come. On the initial stage a very kind man Dr. Mukram Sheikh guided me to promote my film business in Botswana, gradually as the volume of work increased and almost cast and crew were from South Africa, I needed a person to handle all the official paper work. Ayoob Bhai introduced me to Mr. Kalaben and what a grand man, in the true sense of the word. Mr. Kalaben became my close associate. Work on shoestring budget movie of my dream of spreading the message of saving our planet seemed like becoming true. Maun, a popular rugged beautiful gateway to Okavango Delta where the huge river just disappears in desert, creating a wonder on earth, the homeland to diversity of wildlife, permanent residency of “Big Five”, was the limitless outdoor film set designed by nature, stretching from Maun to Kasane.
Now I had to face real task - to scout for local talent - as by the blessing of God. I crossed my path with a very happy-go-lucky-looking man,he flashed a sunny smile, we exchange morning pleasantries and I broke the ice, “ I am looking for local talents, the actors”, by pulling up his collars, said he, “Well you got one here” with just one gesture, he covered an equivalent of 30 minutes audition and I knew he is man of masses. I won’t disclose his good name here as he is since grown into a very popular honorable respected person and soon will become the grand personality on the world stage. I was lucky enough to get rest of the talented cast and crew from Joburg, South Africa, specially my leading lady, a very fine actress. None from my Bollywood connection.
The filming started deep in the African Savannah. No efforts were spared to film beauty of Okavango Delta. Three 35MM Erries Camers (No video Cameras) and ample stock of 35MM Kodak Color Negative was carried in special protected cool carriers, dollies, trollies, tracks even big cranes were ferried along, our hard work started paying devidands, I headed to North America to have the glimps of Hollywood, to pave the way for my upcoming English feature film in LA.I visited five major studios, in Newyork I met Mr. Dhiri, a businessman with a heart for film industry. In toronto I met my close film friend Jasmer Garewal who introduced me to Mr. T-Gill, a leading business personality in Toronto film circle. Once I came familiar to friendly canadian city of Toronto, I proceeded to Vancouver, on the shore of pacific ocean to visit my sister Mrs. Harbhagat Uppal's family. Uppal Saab introduced me to a prosper business Bath family and in process Mr. Surinder Bath, a very kind hearted sponsor came on board, our prayers were answered. We entrusted our post production to Delux Lab Toronto, one of world`s top film Lab. The full cooperation from Canadians, Mr Bath and Raaj Upal gave us full opportunities to make a classic environmental movie, the artistic job of creating an authantic African Sound track was assigned to Paul Zaza a veteran of Hollywood’s 100+ movies. To shoot opening scenes of movie in Vancouver DOP Curtis Peterson, President of PPI camera corp. Canada was hired with his camera unit, for a week's shoot. Our working relation came so close, Mr. Curtis was prepared to invest equipment worth over fifteen millions dollars into the joint venture, in Botswana.
Encouraged with happenings around us, we ventured into the remote wilderness of Botswana, where (i understand) no film maker ever gone with heavy equipment’s like tracks, trolleys, lights and cranes we filmed remarkably at ease, since nature and government were kind. We captured some fantastic scenes, for example there is one scene where script demanded that a pride of Lions came to the grave of the hero to do the dead hero homage, who gave his life for them. ...A grave... a cross on it.. A surrendered gun of a poacher resting with cross and full pride of Lions visiting the grave, a tall task to accomplish. As the logistics of shooting with wild animals in African Bush is fraught with potential disasters, unlike in any movie making. We had to plan it extremely carefully, Took us month after month, but die hard professionalism and dedication of our unit prevailed eventually we picturised this not-to-be forgotten, blockbuster scene, which i proudly understand no other film maker has achieved before, to believe is to watch the scene, by the way no bait of any kind was given to the Lions. It was natural appearance of the huge pride at the grave. How it was done? It’s a long story worth a novel. In one word “Patience”.
The film became talk of Delux Lab, our agent strongly suggested to participate in CANNES film Festival, which we did, the film was shortlisted to 100 but could not do better. At the Cannes we made a written research, and asking the people at the festival, whether they would prefer to see a non-star wildlife film than big Hollywood star film. The result was 100% in our movie’s favor, one person even named a major star of Hollywood saying, “Please keep making film about wildlife, they are better than Brad Pitt.” and this is on record.
Meanwhile i am busy giving final touches to my most ambitious docu-drama short film based on environmental Theme. “The Green Giraffe” highlighting the trees we are brutally destroying all over the world. HOWEVER to reveal how it all started, I have to go back in time, into the deep farming country side of Africa – year 1955, a sunny morning of a hot summer day. I was on a Messy Harris tractor in the field when I supoted Mr. Maya , my colleague, a tall, slim, handsome manager of my father’s other near by farm, riding his Ford boxbody(Pick up) with some people and a village chief, as story unfolded. They had come to cut a big old tree. Mr. Maya suggested them to meet me for mutual decision, chief being very friendly gentleman willingly agreed. Actually people always enjoyed conversations with me socially since I spoke local language(Dilect) with them. So after local greetings we all left to see the tree in question.
Under the blazing sun’s heat we all parked under the tree they had come to cut, my assistant a local guy served us with much needed water from the icebox, forgetting I am simple farmer among the farming community arround here, I started addressing like a Lectural of ecology, “ Dear friends this big old tree is going to stand our witness to the deed, good or ugly, we do this day-save it or fell it-. But before think, just think how many long-long years have God put into the growth of this glorious tree to provide us with cool breeze and shadow- just think of the singing birds of many kind in and arround their nests-just think this tree gives us atleast a fistful of water vital for our lives.....If there is no tree, there is no water, and there is no life.
Chief moved to sit on ground and rest of us followed. He started with voice drenched in sympathy, “I understand the importance of trees in our world. This big old tree shall live to its fullest life and his fellow trees as well have our protection, also we shall plant new trees wherever we find space.
The movement had begun-and I felt proud of being part of it. In my long years in Africa, whenever passed near by this great tree, I always greeted it, our friendship became closer and closer.
The last time I met my friend the great tree was winter of 1965, I walked close to my friend and hugged it. I was with the tree for a while-I felt strange silences, even birds were quite. I looked up into its thick green branches by putting my hand’s palm on the dark beautiful brown skin of its body and whispered, “ good bye my dear friend- I am on my way to-far far away land on a mission”. As I stepped towards my Van, a mysterious kind of wind blew over my head, a soft kind of human voice came, “ Thank you for being human- Go well.” All of sudden a loud ambience of birds all round the trees as somebody pulled out plugs from my ears. In van I found my assistant sobing- “ I too heard the voice from the tree”, said he. I look back at my friend for last time and drove away slowly.
After 60+ years(2014) I am on flight from London to Lilongwe, my birth place, my mission this time though different, to meet the govt. Officials to explore the way to make a movie on the life of “ DR. DAVID LIVINGSTONE”. At the airport I met by my great old timmer friend, Dr. Kharodia, during busy friendly but official govt. Schedule. I planned a quick trip to visit my great old friend, “ the tree”. But the scenario was completely transformed. The then Scotland of Africa “ Nyasaland” is now a booming and fast developing magnificient Malawi. There were no more those by passes, those tracks, that once criss-crossed The Land of the great lake.
Though I was sad not to meet my friend the big tree, but was happier to see huge trees all arround, the country side, showcasing Malwians as “ tree Loving Nation” The memories of my old great friend, “ the tree” always keeps me inspired and out of this inspiration “ The Green Giraffe” was born to inspire the younger generation to love trees, because if there are no TREES , there are no HUMANS, simple as that. I have a 7 minutes song to motivate the children all over the world, picturised on multinational kids inspiring them not to CUT but HUG the trees, Shot in May 2014.
Since i grew up all over the world, at this point of life my angles guided me to return to my beautiful village in Punjab. My sat-sri-akal to the great Punjab and Punjabi film making community, who through their sheer enchantious music strike a chord with audiences across the globe. Infact due to this new generation of Punjabi singers and film makers, the Punjabi Cinema is going through a ‘phenomenal’ growth. It is so heartening to witness it happening.
Today Punjabi cinema has got tremendous audiences all over the world, Punjabi stars are no less popular than the main stream Bollywood stars. It all started with well photographed, well-acted, well directed movies. They now enjoy huge international successful market.
I am in process of planning a star studded Punjabi film, with ‘A’ Listed actors and technicians, titled “Sarbat da bhala” which will be directed by Punjab’s one of the top ranking young brilliant Director. (name withheld for day of announcing the film in Chandigarh)
The show goes on..... This reminds me of a song in one of the thespian Dilip Kumar Saab`s film ‘Mela’
“Ye Zindgi ke mele duniya mein kam na honge-------------------
afsos hum na honge”
But friends show must go on.