Renowned filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya was celebrated at the prestigious National Film Awards for his outstanding achievement in directing the captivating film, Uunchai, in 2022. In a heartfelt moment during the award ceremony, Barjatya humbly expressed that Uunchai took him beyond his comfort zone, a territory he had not explored before. He candidly admitted that he initially hesitated to take on the directorial role for the movie until the legendary Amitabh Bachchan agreed to be a part of it.
In a candid conversation with Doordarshan, Sooraj Barjatya shared the fascinating journey of how he found himself at the helm of the Amitabh Bachchan-led project, Uunchai. The visionary director disclosed that the story had been brewing within him since 2016, long before it came to life on the big screen.
Barjatya opened up about his reluctance to venture into unfamiliar territory with Uunchai, stepping outside the confines of his usual filmmaking style. Known for his iconic work in films like Hum Aapke Hain Koun, Barjatya confessed that he had rarely shot outside his studio, with only a few exceptions like filming songs in Ooty.
Amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic, Barjatya embraced the opportunity to work with the legendary Amitabh Bachchan as a rewarding challenge. He poured his creative energy into crafting the script for Uunchai in a mere three months during the COVID crisis, a testament to his dedication and passion for storytelling.
Reflecting on the experience of collaborating with seasoned actors in Uunchai, Barjatya described it as a dream come true, labeling the ensemble cast as a “dream team.” He fondly recalled the harmonious filming days, where each scene was captured effortlessly, with stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Anupam Kher, Boman Irani, and Danny Danzongpa delivering stellar performances in just one take.
The star-studded cast of Uunchai, featuring luminaries like Parineeti Chopra, Neena Gupta, and Sarika in pivotal roles, added depth and richness to the cinematic tapestry woven by Barjatya. The film’s success is a testament to the collaborative spirit and talent of everyone involved in the filmmaking process.
The 70th National Film Awards ceremony, a prestigious event held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on October 8, honored exceptional talents in Indian cinema. In addition to Barjatya’s well-deserved recognition, veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty was also bestowed with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, highlighting the timeless contributions of these cinematic icons.
