<div>It is rare to win National Awards and get critical reviews for almost every film you make. But P Sheshadri is that kind of person whose craving for excellence becomes more insatiable with every award he gets. His latest release, ‘Vidaaya’, meaning farewell, delves into the much-debated and discussed topic of passive euthanasia. <br /><br />A man of few words, the director comes across as a mine of knowledge. He picks up any raging subject that inspires him to tell a story. He then begins his research. “Research requires that I dig out old files, visit places where such stories could possibly emerge and understand how I can present it in the best possible manner. I believe in telling stories that not only touch people’s lives but provoke them to think hard,” reasons Sheshadri.<br /><br />He entered the film industry in 1990 as screenplay and dialogue writer and soon went on to become an independent director of television serials, documentaries and tele-films. His maiden effort as director of feature film ‘Munnudi’, meaning a preface in 2000, brought him great applause for his sensitive approach to cinema and was also hailed as a landmark film. He has been unstoppable after that and all his films such as ‘Aatithi’, ‘Thutturi’, ‘Vimukthi’, ‘Bettada Jeeva’, ‘Bharath Stores’ and ‘December 1’ have won National Awards. <br /><br />What triggered the idea for ‘Vidaaya’? Sheshadri says that story is a reflection of his own life’s experiences. “My father was healthy until he was struck by Parkinson's disease a few years ago. He suffered a lot and I was witness to his pain and suffering. This is what prompted me to make a movie exploring the possibility of allowing passive euthanasia to those in a similar state. This would at least put an end to the suffering of the person,” he reasons. <br /> <br />The concept of birth and death has always intrigued Sheshadri. “We can go on talking about birth and one can even predict when a child will be born but you can’t do that same with death. It can hit anybody anytime. Death remains a mystery,” he sums up. <br />When asked about how he felt about passive euthanasia, he says, “I was in a dilemma as to what stand to take in the film about passive euthanasia. I couldn’t totally vouch for it nor could I not agree with my conscience that it should be allowed. I’ve tried to convey it in the best possible manner through ‘Vidaaya’.” <br /></div>
<div>It is rare to win National Awards and get critical reviews for almost every film you make. But P Sheshadri is that kind of person whose craving for excellence becomes more insatiable with every award he gets. His latest release, ‘Vidaaya’, meaning farewell, delves into the much-debated and discussed topic of passive euthanasia. <br /><br />A man of few words, the director comes across as a mine of knowledge. He picks up any raging subject that inspires him to tell a story. He then begins his research. “Research requires that I dig out old files, visit places where such stories could possibly emerge and understand how I can present it in the best possible manner. I believe in telling stories that not only touch people’s lives but provoke them to think hard,” reasons Sheshadri.<br /><br />He entered the film industry in 1990 as screenplay and dialogue writer and soon went on to become an independent director of television serials, documentaries and tele-films. His maiden effort as director of feature film ‘Munnudi’, meaning a preface in 2000, brought him great applause for his sensitive approach to cinema and was also hailed as a landmark film. He has been unstoppable after that and all his films such as ‘Aatithi’, ‘Thutturi’, ‘Vimukthi’, ‘Bettada Jeeva’, ‘Bharath Stores’ and ‘December 1’ have won National Awards. <br /><br />What triggered the idea for ‘Vidaaya’? Sheshadri says that story is a reflection of his own life’s experiences. “My father was healthy until he was struck by Parkinson's disease a few years ago. He suffered a lot and I was witness to his pain and suffering. This is what prompted me to make a movie exploring the possibility of allowing passive euthanasia to those in a similar state. This would at least put an end to the suffering of the person,” he reasons. <br /> <br />The concept of birth and death has always intrigued Sheshadri. “We can go on talking about birth and one can even predict when a child will be born but you can’t do that same with death. It can hit anybody anytime. Death remains a mystery,” he sums up. <br />When asked about how he felt about passive euthanasia, he says, “I was in a dilemma as to what stand to take in the film about passive euthanasia. I couldn’t totally vouch for it nor could I not agree with my conscience that it should be allowed. I’ve tried to convey it in the best possible manner through ‘Vidaaya’.” <br /></div>