Saurabh Shukla: Shekhar Kapur Taught Me Humor in Darkness

Veteran actor Saurabh Shukla recently shared valuable insights from his early days in filmmaking, specifically his experience working with director Shekhar Kapur on the iconic 1994 film ‘Bandit Queen.’ Shukla revealed that Kapur’s directorial approach taught him a crucial lesson: the ability to find humor even amidst the most somber and intense narratives. ‘Bandit Queen,’ which chronicles the life of Phoolan Devi, is known for its stark and often brutal portrayal of the subject matter. However, Shukla recalled how Kapur consistently sought out moments of levity. He cited an example of a scene depicting a chaotic village robbery where a villager, amidst the panic, humorously requests a bottle of liquor from the fleeing dacoits. This ability to inject a human, even funny, element into dark situations deeply impacted Shukla, shaping his own creative philosophy. He emphasized that humor is essential for a complete cinematic picture, a principle he continues to follow in his own work. Shukla also lauded Kapur’s innate understanding of rhythm and dialogue, even when not native to the specific dialect, highlighting his ability to connect with the emotional core of a story. ‘Bandit Queen’ achieved significant critical acclaim, including a National Film Award. Shukla’s own career boasts a distinguished filmography, marked by versatile performances.