JOIN USDirector-actor Amole Gupte is extremely proud of his son Partho, who won this year’s National Award as Best Child Artist for his role in Stanley Ka Dabba. But he is ‘not all fine’ with Partho working with other filmmakers until he turns 18.
“Stanley... was shot every Saturday for four hours during school vacations. He (Partho) will not get this type of convenient atmosphere while working with other directors. I am worried for the children who work in these reality shows in 12-14 hour shifts, miss schools and childhood to fulfil the aspirations of their parents and get short-lived fame,” says Amole.
“When we use animals in films, it is required to take permission from the Animal Welfare Board but there are no guidelines with regard to children. It is no less than child labour. I am trying to push the ministry concerned to bring a law or regulations to curb this,” he shares with Metrolife.
His concern for children truly reflects in his works which have always revolved around children issues be it Stanley... or Taare Zameen Par. Currently, Amole is working on another children’s film Sapno Ko Ginty Ginty that talks about inequality or economic disparity.
What draws him pick only children issues? “As a filmmaker, I am attracted to other genres and I would surely make films on other subjects also but I have been drawn to the honesty of children.
Filmmaking is only one part of my life. I work with various NGOs and in that work I come across so many problems related to children. I believe in using films as a tool to create awareness,” replies Amole, who is credited with the story and screenplay of TZP and has won various awards also for the same.
He might have lost out to his son in receiving the National Award, Amole says he doesn’t believe neither in awards nor winning and losing. “I don’t believe in awards. If given one, I receive it gracefully. Also, after Taare..., what more I can present that deserves an award,” he says.
While films on serious subjects are being made in a comic way in Bollywood such as Vicky Donor, Amole prefers to keep the emotional quotient of the issue intact. “I feel there a chance of the subject being diluted if it is treated in a non-serious way. I like to present the issue directly rather than under the garb of comedy.”
Amole, who has also acted in Stanley..., Bheja Fry 2, Phas Gaya Re Obama and Kaminey, is now refraining from appearing on screen again.
“I am getting away from acting now because really one gets stuck to it. Focusing on acting leaves me with little time for other work which I want to do,” adds Amole.