Shekhar Kapur’s ‘Bandit Queen’ Lesson: Finding Light in Dark Stories

Saurabh Shukla, a celebrated actor and writer, has revealed the invaluable lessons he learned from director Shekhar Kapur during the making of ‘Bandit Queen’ in 1994. The film, based on the controversial life of Phoolan Devi, was an intense and gritty portrayal. Shukla recounted how Kapur, his first directorial collaborator, possessed a unique ability to unearth humor even in the bleakest of circumstances. He described Kapur as a director who sought out the human element, illustrating this with an anecdote from a chaotic robbery scene. Amidst the panic, a villager’s mundane request for liquor, rather than fear, revealed a darkly comic slice of life. This experience, Shukla stated, was instrumental in shaping his understanding of storytelling, teaching him that humor is not just an addition but a vital component for a fully realized narrative. He further admired Kapur’s directorial acumen, particularly his sensitivity to the natural rhythm and cadence of dialogue, a skill that transcended linguistic barriers and contributed to the film’s authentic feel.