Kolkata – Critically celebrated filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani shared how the legendary director Satyajit Ray inspired him during his days at film school. The conversation took place at the Merchant Chamber of Commerce & Industry in West Bengal, where Hirani joined film critic Rajeev Masand for a session.
Hirani told the press, “When I was in film school, we spent weeks and months watching Ray’s movies. Every single student was a huge fan. No one in our country could not admire his work.” He added that the films of the Kolkata-born maestro shaped his approach to storytelling.
Satyajit Ray, born on May 2, 1921, remains India’s most revered filmmaker. His masterpieces – the Apu Trilogy, Jalsaghar, Charulata, Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne, Pather Panchali, and Shatranj Ke Khiladi – earned him 32 National Film Awards, several international festival honors and an Academy Honorary Award in 1992. That same year, he received India’s highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna.
Hirani’s most recent film, Dunki, stars Shah Rukh Khan and tackles the urgent topic of immigration. The title refers to the perilous “donkey journey” many undertake to reach new opportunities. The movie features an ensemble cast, including Boman Irani, Taapsee Pannu, Vicky Kaushal, Vikram Kochhar and Anil Grover. Dunki has already crossed the ₹400 crore mark worldwide, a milestone for any Bollywood release.
The director is best known for blockbuster hits like 3 Idiots, Sanju, and PK. His ability to mix sharp social commentary with engaging drama keeps audiences and critics talking. Rajkumar Hirani continues to be a leading voice in contemporary Indian cinema, drawing on classics such as Satyajit Ray’s legacy while pushing fresh stories to the silver screen.
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