Hrishikesh Mukherjee, a prominent director of Indian cinema, distinguished himself by prioritizing narrative depth and character development over the allure of star power. His 1979 film ‘Golmaal’ serves as a prime example, with its roots in the original comedic brilliance of actors such as Utpal Dutt and Amol Palekar, setting the stage for his distinctive style.
Mukherjee’s approach to filmmaking was marked by simplicity, which was a key element of his success. His films were celebrated for their artistic merit and commercial viability, even while featuring leading actors without succumbing to unnecessary extravagance. He was not afraid to challenge the conventional wisdom of the industry.
Central to his philosophy was the belief that a superstar’s role should be determined by the script’s demands, not vice versa. This is best illustrated in his 1971 film ‘Anand,’ starring Rajesh Khanna, who was at the peak of his popularity. Another director might have been tempted to capitalize on Khanna’s stardom, but Mukherjee was steadfast in his commitment to the story, giving Amitabh Bachchan, who was then relatively unknown, significant screen time.
The opening scenes of ‘Anand’ focus on Bachchan’s character, Dr. Bhaskar Banerjee, which established the film’s emotional core. This choice demonstrated Mukherjee’s dedication to character-driven narratives. It was a risk that paid off, making ‘Anand’ a cinematic classic.
This unwavering commitment to the story was evident throughout Mukherjee’s career. In ‘Namak Haraam’ (1973), he reunited Bachchan and Khanna, while also giving respect to supporting actors. He was known for his ability to identify and nurture talent.
Mukherjee was considered a mentor to several artists, including Amitabh Bachchan. His contributions went beyond the actors themselves, as he was instrumental in shaping the careers of many others.
He was a father figure to many, cultivating a sense of collaboration on set. His focus was always on the narrative core. He favored a naturalistic style.
Mukherjee’s films were distinguished by their simplicity and attention to everyday life. Born in Kolkata on September 30, 1922, his background was in mathematics and science. He was inspired by filmmakers like P.C. Barua and Bimal Roy. His journey started in New Theatres, where he worked as a cameraman, editor, and assistant director.
When Bimal Roy moved to Mumbai, his team followed. Mukherjee served as the assistant director and editor on films like ‘Do Bigha Zamin’ and ‘Devdas.’ He then developed his unique style, which integrated social commentary with a focus on family and everyday relationships. He was also known for his work with actors such as Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor, Dev Anand, and Guru Dutt.
Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s legacy rests on his ability to create films that have endured the test of time. Dharmendra, Rajesh Khanna, and Amitabh Bachchan all credit him with defining their careers and giving them iconic roles. However, many feel that the magic of his storytelling did not continue beyond his time.