Passion for Perfection: Journey of Ramesh Sippy unfolds at IFFI, filmmaker reveals that it took 23 days to shoot one scene in Sholay

Panjim: At the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), a captivating session titled “Passion for Perfection: Ramesh Sippy’s Philosophy” offered an enriching exploration into the life and artistry of one of Indian cinema’s most revered directors.

The session, which highlighted Ramesh Sippy's illustrious career, was moderated by Mohit Soni, CEO of the Media and Entertainment Skills Council.

The session opened with an introduction by Mohit Soni, who emphasised the unique opportunity to learn from Ramesh Sippy’s vast experience and to delve into his definition of perfection.

The conversation began with a reflection on Sippy's early days in the industry, starting with his brief but memorable debut in the film ‘Shahenshah’.

Sippy shared that, at just nine years old, he had his first exposure to the film set. This marked the beginning of his lifelong journey in filmmaking, with his learning unfolding directly on film sets, long before the advent of formal film schools.

Reflecting on his journey from the iconic films like ‘Andaaz’ to ‘Seeta Aur Geeta’, Sippy emphasised the importance of constant learning in the world of filmmaking.

“There is no end to learning,” he stated.

Recalling the making of ‘Sholay’, he shared an insightful anecdote about shooting a pivotal scene. Despite initial setbacks with weather conditions, Sippy, highlighted how the final result, filmed under gloomy skies, achieved the perfect mood for the scene.

“It took 23 days to shoot one scene in Sholay,” he revealed, underscoring his commitment to achieving perfection in every frame.

Sippy also spoke about how technological advancements have transformed the filmmaking landscape.

He commented on the evolution of special effects and how Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to enhance filmmaking, though he cautioned that technology should serve creativity, not replace it.

“AI can never replace the human mind. It can only supplement creativity, and it's essential to apply the mind to make the right decisions,” Sippy explained.

When asked how he brings his stories to life on the big screen, Sippy attributed the success of his films to teamwork and collaboration. “It’s the collective effort of the team that helps us reach perfection,” he noted.

As the session drew to a close, Ramesh Sippy shared his final thoughts on the importance of growth in filmmaking.

“It’s healthy to make mistakes,” he said. “Each experience teaches us something valuable. We learn from our failures and improve for the future.”

The session concluded on an inspiring note, with Sippy reiterating the value of learning, embracing change, and constantly striving for perfection in the ever-evolving world of cinema.