Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra says he slipped ‘deep into alcoholism’ post failure of Delhi 6: ‘It was like a black hole’
Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra says he slipped ‘deep into alcoholism’ post failure of Delhi 6: ‘It was like a black hole’ The Indian Express
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Filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra Opens Up About the Failure of Delhi-6
In a recent episode of Rahman Music Sheets, filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra discussed the first six months of his life after the release of his deeply personal film Delhi-6 in 2009. He described this period as a troubling phase, where he found himself buried in a “black hole” and unable to cope with the failure of the movie.
The Failure of Delhi-6
Delhi-6, starring Abhishek Bachchan and Sonam Kapoor, was a drama that also featured Waheeda Rehman, Rishi Kapoor, Aditi Rao Hydari, Divya Dutta, Atul Kulkarni, and others. Despite a good start, the film opened to poor reviews and ultimately tanked at the box office.
Mehra revealed that after the initial weekend, where the film recorded good business, it quickly declined and faced significant backlash. He experienced heartbreak and fell into a period of alcoholism for almost six months. However, he eventually realized that he needed to take action and not succumb to despair.
Overcoming the Failure
Mehra contacted his cinematographer Binodh Pradhan and decided to shoot additional scenes for Delhi-6. They worked for three days, creating a different beginning and ending for the film. This revised version was then sent to the Venice Film Festival in Europe. Mehra explained that this process helped him find closure and heal from the failure, but he acknowledged that the story of Delhi-6 continues.
Potential Release and Relevance
When asked if he plans to release the new version of Delhi-6 on an OTT platform, Mehra questioned whether viewers are ready to accept newer things. He stated that the decision to release the film is not in his hands and that it would require the universe to conspire for it to happen. However, he expressed his desire to share it in the near future.
Despite its failure at the box office, Delhi-6 has gained more love over time, with some considering it more relevant than ever. The film is also remembered for AR Rahman’s soulful and chart-topping soundtrack.
Success After Delhi-6
Following Delhi-6, Mehra scripted a successful comeback with the biopic Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, starring Farhan Akhtar. The film, based on the life of Olympian Milkha Singh, was well-received by audiences.
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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis:
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 1: No Poverty – The article mentions the failure of the film Delhi-6, which could be connected to poverty as it did not perform well at the box office.
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The filmmaker mentions going into alcoholism and experiencing a troubled phase after the failure of the film, indicating a negative impact on his mental health.
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The article discusses the commercial aspect of releasing the film and its impact on the filmmaker’s career.
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – The article mentions that despite the initial good start, the film tanked at the box office, indicating a disparity between expectations and actual performance.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 1.2: By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women, and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions – This target can be relevant as the failure of the film may have impacted the financial well-being of those involved.
- SDG 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being – This target can be relevant as the filmmaker mentions going into alcoholism and experiencing a troubled phase after the failure of the film.
- SDG 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading, and innovation, including through a focus on high-value added and labor-intensive sectors – This target can be relevant as the article discusses the commercial aspect of releasing the film and its impact on the filmmaker’s career.
- SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status – This target can be relevant as the article mentions the disparity between expectations and actual performance of the film.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator for SDG 1.2: Proportion of population living below the national poverty line – The article implies that the failure of the film may have impacted the financial well-being of those involved.
- Indicator for SDG 3.4: Prevalence of alcoholism or substance abuse – The filmmaker mentions going into alcoholism after the failure of the film.
- Indicator for SDG 8.2: Gross domestic product (GDP) per capita – The commercial aspect of releasing the film and its impact on the filmmaker’s career can be measured through GDP per capita.
- Indicator for SDG 10.2: Income inequality – The article mentions the disparity between expectations and actual performance of the film, indicating a potential income inequality.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 1: No Poverty | 1.2: By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women, and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions | Proportion of population living below the national poverty line |
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being | Prevalence of alcoholism or substance abuse |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading, and innovation, including through a focus on high-value added and labor-intensive sectors | Gross domestic product (GDP) per capita |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status | Income inequality |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: indianexpress.com
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