I Talk About Social Issues Through My Films, Not Words: Hirani

Writer, editor, director and producer, Hirani is particularly careful about his words in the social media age.

Filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani, who has taken a satirical look at the country’s medical system, education system and religious superstitions in his movies, says his “voice takes a backseat” when it comes to expressing views on social issues. However, he believes in making strong statements with his films. A writer, editor, director and producer, the man with many talents, Hirani is also particularly careful about his words in the social media age.

I have to be careful in what I speak because I don’t know how I will be quoted. So, unknowingly my voice takes a backseat because if we speak, people will start thrashing us on social media

Rajkumar Hirani, Filmmaker

In fact, he says that it was a case of being “misquoted” that landed his close associate and “PK” star Aamir Khan in a controversy following his remarks on intolerance in the country.

“I feel he was completely misquoted. There was no reason to pick up one sentence from an hour-long speech and quote it. Aamir clearly said how he felt distressed when his wife said something like that (about leaving India).

It is this reason why Hirani chooses to talk with his films. Whether it’s the Munnabhai franchise, 3 Idiots or PK – his combination of entertainment with a message has invariably pulled in a large audience.

I prefer to put my opinion through films to talking about it. I took bold steps when I made films like ‘Munnabhai M.B.B.S’, ‘Lage Raho Munna Bhai’ and ‘PK’... I will talk about everything through my films

Rajkumar Hirani, Filmmaker

The National Award winning filmmaker does not feel that his films will change the nation, but he feels it could “change a few individuals for sure”.

They say how great the film (‘PK’) was and how it changed people’s views. It made them think why are we fighting on religion?

Rajkumar Hirani, Filmmaker

“There is so much of venom which is being thrown on the social media and most people start sharing irresponsible messages. It’s very strange to see such things,” he said.

While he said that “there is no one person or politician who is doing this”, he’s “afraid that after eight to nine years, we will end up creating communal disharmony for our future” added the filmmaker, whose “Saala Khadoos” has been applauded by the film industry and audiences alike.

Most of the issues are not at all related to communal things, but it ends up being one

Rajkumar Hirani