The Bollywood and Television industry is replete with highly talented people and art director Sumit Mishra is undoubtedly one of them. He has been in the entertainment industry for quite some time and currently he is the art director in shows namely, Kuch Toh log Kahenge, Sapno Ke Bhanwar Mein and Madhubala- Ek Ishq Ek Junoon. He has also worked in Bollywood movies like A Flat, Ahista Ahista ,Intikaam.
In an exclusive interview with The Kashmir Scenario, Sumit Mishra talks to Rameez Makhdoomi & Shahzad Hussain Hamdani.
Were you creative from the beginning?
Yes, I was creative from the beginning and Painting used to be my first love. But my parents had other ideas as they wanted me to go for engineering, Government job or medical profession.
How did your entry into world of ‘Art Direction’ became possible?
I was at first interested in painting only but as soon as I started my professional studies in art and creativity I came to learn about the field called art direction and then there was no looking back.
Tell us a bit about your struggles?
Initially, I had to face tremendous struggles as I entered this world of glamour on my own passion and instincts and sort of rebelled with parents. I remember very well when I first came to Mumbai to try out my luck I had just Rs.1500 in my pocket.
Since every artist has one memorable movement of his career. Could you share your most memorable movement with our readers?
I remember Intikaam, a Bollywood Movie featuring well known actor Dinu Morea , was my first assignment. Interestingly, the movie took two years and I ran into some dispute with producer so could not attend the premier.
I remember those days I was also facing financial problems and I watched the movie in one of the lowest priced theatre (Pinky Theatre) at just Rs. 15. As my name featured it was a very emotional moment for me. Surprisingly, the same movie was watched by my father and he was watching Bollywood movie after 12 years in a theatre and he was also quite happy.
People tend to change when they enter the world of glamour. Have you experienced any drastic changes?
No, I have not changed even a bit. I am an artist who has belief on down to earth approach and I do not measure my success by number of movies and serials I have under my belt, but purely on the basis of quality of my work.
How many movies and serials you have under your belt?
I have worked with about 12 movies and more than 25 serials.
Do you enjoy working in movies or serials?
I enjoy working in movies as in movies the work experience is more enjoyable since the horizons are quiet wide in movie.
What role does art direction has in movie & serial making?
Art direction has fundamental role to play in the making of a movie or a serial. Art Direction is actually the history, geography of the entire script and helps to relate the story with actual realities like sphere or section of life it deals with.
What characteristics a persona aspiring to be art director should possess?
First and foremost, those aspiring to become art directors should possess lot of creative skills and creativity is imbibed in a person and cannot be taught. Art Director has a crucial role to play in making a movie or a serial as it is his work that relates the entire story with realities. One should also be focused and have proper framing skills as an art director.
Your opinion on the role played in shaping the Art Directors in India?
Well, the art schools in our country for that matter in any other part of the world cannot teach creativity. The art schools at best help in polishing one’s talent and art schools in our country are still locked in traditional concepts and are simply failing to meet the needs of present time.
Who has been your inspiration in life?
Legendary figure of late MF.Hussain, the world renowned painter and writer Amrita Pritam have been my inspiration in my life and I have always felt closely associated with these two personas.
Your message to people of Kashmir?
Kashmir is among one of the most beautiful places in the world and I would like to appeal to the beautiful people of this beautiful land to live beautifully and forget the past so as to move ahead in right direction.