Hollywood actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt has expressed profound admiration for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s film “Gangubai Kathiawadi”. The movie, which left an indelible mark on him, has sparked Gordon-Levitt’s keen interest in delving deeper into Indian cinema. This sentiment was revealed during a session at the IFP Season 14 (formerly known as the India Film Project) where he was in conversation with celebrated Bollywood actor Rajkummar Rao.
Gordon-Levitt, recognized globally for his roles in iconic films like “10 Things I Hate About You”, “500 Days of Summer”, and “Inception”, shared his experience of watching “Gangubai Kathiawadi”. Initially struggling to recall the movie’s name, he sought Rao’s help to identify the film he regarded as a standout in Indian cinema, featuring Alia Bhatt in a pivotal role. Rao graciously reminded him of Bhansali’s masterpiece, which is an adaptation of a chapter from Hussain Zaidi’s acclaimed book “Mafia Queens of Mumbai”. Released in 2022, the film showcased Bhatt in the powerful role of Gangubai, one of Kamathipura’s most esteemed madams during the 1960s.
The movie left Gordon-Levitt deeply impressed, describing it as a “unique, beautiful, completely different” cinematic experience from any he had previously encountered. “It was a heavy, distinguished genre,” he remarked, highlighting the film’s dynamic storytelling. He likened the movie’s intense narrative arc to the style of iconic filmmaker Martin Scorsese, renowned for his gritty and exciting films. At the same time, he appreciated the film’s vibrant musical sequences, which he found sincere and meticulously crafted.
As Gordon-Levitt elaborated on his newfound passion, he shared, “I found myself completely enamoured with this film. It made me want to learn more and more about Indian cinema.
. It’s one of the reasons I wanted to come here. I love what I’m feeling from the culture—genuine love for movies and artistry. I want to come here and make a movie in India.”
This revelation prompted Rao to inquire if Gordon-Levitt would consider acting in an Indian film, complete with the traditional song and dance sequences that are a staple in Bollywood. Gordon-Levitt responded with enthusiasm, expressing a willingness to embrace the quintessential elements of Indian cinema. His positive response delighted Rao, who, riding high on the success of his blockbuster “Stree 2”, took the opportunity to teach Gordon-Levitt the signature hook step from the movie’s hit song, “Kati Raat Maine Kheto Mein”.
Adding to the cultural exchange, Gordon-Levitt enthusiastically participated in a garba dance step, a significant cultural dance form from Gujarat, set to the popular song “Chogada” from the film “Loveyatri”. This cultural engagement highlighted Gordon-Levitt’s openness and eagerness to immerse himself in the rich tapestry of Indian cinema and its vibrant traditions.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s admiration for “Gangubai Kathiawadi” and his eagerness to engage further with Indian cinema underscore the burgeoning global interest in the diversity and richness of Indian storytelling. As Hollywood stars like him express a desire to participate actively in Bollywood, it reflects the film industry’s decreasing boundaries and its potential for collaborative storytelling that transcends cultural and geographical barriers.
This incident marks not just an appreciation of film as an art form but also highlights the universal language of cinema that brings together actors, filmmakers, and audiences from across the globe. Gordon-Levitt’s engagement with Indian cinema might inspire more such cultural exchanges and collaborations in the future, paving the way for a more interconnected and diverse cinematic landscape.
Published – October 12, 2024 05:53 pm IST
