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Kabir Khan is one of the most successful directors of the latest generation in Bollywood. Having started his directorial journey with Kabul Express, he has since directed films such as New York, Ek Tha Tiger, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, 83, and Chandu Champion.
This week, he was in Kathmandu as the chief guest for the Film South Asia Festival. At this festival, Kabir recalled winning the Grand Jury Award for his documentary-drama The Forgotten Army at the 1999 edition of the festival, 25 years ago.
Addressing the opening session of the Film South Asia Festival, Kabir mentioned that it was his first award for his work and it helped him move forward in his filmmaking career.
Now a recognized name in mainstream Bollywood cinema, Kabir shared insights in a conversation during the festival. He mentioned that if a story calls for shooting in Nepal, he would gladly do so, and suggested that those looking to make a future in the film industry should focus on learning and watching films. He believes that filmmakers should write scripts that align with the needs of the story, staying true to the story’s essence. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of understanding the subject matter and developing the ability to recognize the elements of a good story.
Here’s an edited excerpt from an interview with Kabir Khan, conducted by Ashesh Adhikari for National News Agency (Rastra Samachar Samiti – RSS):
RSS: When did you first think of becoming a filmmaker?
Kabir Khan: It was a gradual process. I was interested in still photography and loved hiking, which allowed me to capture the places I visited. This led me into the world of visual storytelling. In school and college, I also participated in a bit of theater. My interest in cinema grew naturally without me consciously deciding to pursue it professionally. After completing my undergraduate studies, I decided to pursue it seriously. My sister was applying to film school, and I asked her to get an application for me as well. I applied without much thought and got accepted into the Jamia Film School. That’s when I realized this was what I wanted to do.
RSS: What kind of films did you gravitate towards before joining Jamia Film School?
Kabir Khan: I watched all kinds of films at home. My mother was a huge fan of cinema, and one of her favorite actors was Amitabh Bachchan. She also enjoyed Shyam Benegal’s films, so we watched a wide range of movies at home.
RSS: Once you understood that filmmaking is a serious endeavor, did it change the types of films you chose to watch?
Kabir Khan: By the time I understood that filmmaking was serious, I was already in film school and had started exploring films from around the world. We watched all kinds of films. If you ask which filmmakers influenced me, it would be Mani Ratnam. His films always had human stories set against significant political backgrounds. I was drawn to these themes, and I hoped to make films that told human stories with political and historical contexts.
RSS: Documentary filmmakers often do not have a strong desire to make mainstream films. How did you develop this interest?
Kabir Khan: I was always clear that I wanted to make mainstream films. Back then, there was a serious lack of audiences for documentaries. It was tough to reach the right audience, especially since digital platforms like OTT didn’t exist. I realized that mainstream cinema was the most powerful tool in the country, and that’s why I turned towards it.
RSS: How challenging or easy was it to pitch your first film?
Kabir Khan: It wasn’t easy. Looking back, it wasn’t as bad as I initially thought. For a year, I carried my script around, hoping a producer would invest in it. My first film Kabul Express was different for its time—it didn’t have a love story or romantic songs, which was unusual. In the end, the major Bollywood production house, Yash Raj Films, took my script, and they signed me for three films.
RSS: After Kabul Express, what was your experience as a director?
Kabir Khan: It felt like a dream come true. Bringing that film to the big screen was like a bonus. I was fortunate to work with a producer like Aditya Chopra, who gave me the opportunity to make three different kinds of films. For Yash Raj, I directed Kabul Express, New York, and Ek Tha Tiger, and each of those films was unique. That was a great learning experience.
RSS: Why do you think Aditya Chopra chose Kabul Express? What was his feedback on the film?
Kabir Khan: There were many discussions before and after Kabul Express was made. Aditya saw Kabul Express as a film with a new vision and approach. It was different from the films they were making, and he was open to making it a film outside of his comfort zone.
RSS: How do you find stories for your films?
Kabir Khan: Stories can come from anywhere. They can emerge from your personal experiences, as with Kabul Express. They can come from something you read in the newspaper, like with Chandu Champion. They might come from historical events or from something someone tells you, like the story behind Bajrangi Bhaijaan. The story can come from anywhere, and then it’s about adapting it into a script.
RSS: How do you decide which story to choose?
Kabir Khan: It’s about following your instincts. When I hear a story, it has to excite me. I analyze why I’m drawn to it and then take it through the writing process. But it all starts with that gut feeling.
RSS: What excites you the most as a director once you have found the right story?
Kabir Khan: It’s not just one thing—it’s everything. The dynamics of the characters, what the story wants to say, the emotional impact it has on you, and how it makes you feel. Once everything falls into place, you can move forward with the filmmaking process. It’s a long commitment, and you have to stay committed to that thought for a year or more.
RSS: As a director, what are your key elements to look for in a screenplay?
Kabir Khan: A screenplay is very important. It shows how the story unfolds, how the transition from one scene to another keeps the audience engaged. You can learn by watching other films and reading books. But the talent needs to be innate. You should also read and learn from scripts that have been praised. Each film needs a different approach, and you must understand how best to tell the story, whether linear or non-linear.
RSS: Do filmmakers need to watch more films or read more?
Kabir Khan: Both are essential. Watching films and reading offer windows into different human experiences and expressions. You get to understand the world around you, the different perspectives people have, and how they express themselves. I don’t see any other option but to watch a lot of films and read extensively.
RSS: As a director, how do you reflect on the success and failure of a film?
Kabir Khan: When a film succeeds or fails, I try to analyze why it worked or didn’t. Sometimes it takes time to understand it. However, I believe that you shouldn’t get too excited with success or too discouraged with failure. It’s all part of the game.
RSS: Do you have any advice for new filmmakers?
Kabir Khan: I think you have to stay true to your vision and your perspective. In this industry, it’s easy to get swayed by fame and recognition, but that can cause you to lose yourself. Every filmmaker has a unique voice, and you need to stay committed to it. People will see your films as a reflection of your identity.
RSS: In recent years, South Indian films have been gaining more influence. How does Bollywood view this?
Kabir Khan: This is a welcome change. In India, we don’t have to categorize films as Bollywood, South Indian, or Punjabi films. These are all Indian films. We’ve been successful in bringing audiences to the theaters, and that’s a major achievement. The entire industry benefits from it.
RSS: There has been some discussion about Bollywood not achieving the same commercial success as before. What do you think are the reasons for this?
Kabir Khan: It’s not entirely true. After COVID, we thought people hadn’t returned to normal yet, and audiences weren’t coming to theaters as much as before. But soon, many Hindi films like Pathaan, Stree 2, and Jawan performed well commercially. People are slowly returning to theaters, and I think the trend will continue to grow.
RSS: Are you happy with the kind of films Bollywood is making now?
Kabir Khan: Personally, I’m not fully satisfied with post-COVID films, but other audiences are enjoying them. Films are being made, and people are watching them, which is something to be happy about.
RSS: Many South Indian films have been choosing Nepal as a shooting destination. Do you think you will ever shoot a film in Nepal?
Kabir Khan: As I mentioned during the festival, I’m always on the lookout for new stories. If I find a good story set in Nepal, I would be excited to shoot here. Nepal is a beautiful location, not just because of its natural beauty but also because of the character of Kathmandu and its people. If I find the right story set in Kathmandu, I would definitely choose it as my shooting location.
RSS: Have you watched any Nepali films after coming here?
Kabir Khan: No. I’ve only been here for two days, but I’ve heard great discussions about some of the films currently playing, although I’ve completely forgotten the name (Sarangi of Purnabahadur). I might watch it at some point, but it’s unlikely during this trip as I’m busy with the festival, so I can’t make time for it. It’s really wonderful to receive support from the local audience. To receive such support from one’s own people is in itself a great thing.
RSS: When will we be able to watch your next documentary film?
Kabir Khan: I don’t know when it will be available. I’m currently busy with a feature film, so I don’t know when I’ll make a documentary. But I enjoy making documentaries. I’m excited by the structure of documentaries. Compared to drama fiction, the structure of a documentary allows for a better way to tell the story.
RSS: Which is your favorite film among your own?
Kabir Khan: Are you asking about my own films? It’s very difficult to answer because asking this is like asking which of your children is your favorite. So, I can’t name a specific film as my favorite. But sometimes, the process of filmmaking itself makes a special place in my heart. The process and journey of making that film give a director a sense of purpose, and achieving that purpose through film-making makes me feel a sense of accomplishment. For example, with ’83 and Chandu Champion, in both films, I was able to bring the story to the screen exactly how I envisioned it. Therefore, these two films are very close to me.
