Directors' Diaries: The Road to Their First Film

My review is addressed to the Author of the Book, Mr. BakshiRespected Mr. Bakshi,It was pleasure reading your book. I am a complete bibliophile and have read many books on filming and director's insights and interviews but none can match up to the profound knowledge and wisdom that you have been able to pass on through your book. You might be too humble to admit or take credit for the insights of the directors that is the content of the book but as Marshall Mcluhan has said -'the medium is the message' and hence your perspective through the interviews have become the real soul of the book.The unique part of the book are the interviews of the Cinematographers at the end of every director's interview. Seldom do we get to hear on the working equation between the Dop and the Director in such detail. Ranjan Patil and Vishal Bharadwaj's working chemistry was a real delight to read. Also by adding the interview of Nitin Desai in the end, you have just given an edge to the entire book. I must say, his is the surprise element in then book and filled with rare insights that is absolutely crucial for any aspiring feature filmmaker like me.I would end by congratulating you for this noble deed of yours of contributing to the field of knowledge through this gem of a book. The research and production of it surely would have been painstaking but it is a treasure to any film lover and a must read for all film professionals. In fact as a greedy fan I would really hope that in the future you come up with more books on similar lines on producers, cinematographers and actors. With your unparalleled framework of questions, it would be yet another gem.Wish you all the very best Sir.Thank you. Warm Regards. God bless.

If the writer had done more research than his interviews o r his impressions it would have added to a perspective. There is nothing that binds the book. If he wants to convey only that love of the game does it then fine. But that is true of any profession including digging-Mountain Man-not referred to here. Playing of flute, coal mining, running a spinning wheel training a horse are all based on commitment and love of it. So why this book.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step and if that first step is in the right direction, you will hit home for sure.That’s what ‘Directors’ Diaries’ is for me – a navigator of sorts and I’m sure this holds true for a lot of fellow film makers. At a time when wanting to make a film can remain a far-fetched dream, the book just waltzes along and nudges you dance to your own tune. In other words, make your film, come what may. Things are bound to happen or not happen and it’s all just part of the 1000-mile journey you just started.A peek into the lives’ and souls’ of some the finest film makers gives us more hope and also an added dash of respect, for their perseverance. Nobody said it was going to be easy and Rakesh Anand Bakshi in all earnest has put out that map or path in front of us. Each interview makes one feel like they are part of the conversation and the simplistic Q&A style answers questions no film school can ever do. Not only does the book serve as a guide, it also helps one sharpen the saw in terms of film making techniques and nuances.‘Directors’ Diaries’ is a masterpiece and serves us well in reminding us that it takes a lifetime to get that stroke right, or in our case, get that shot right!Thanks Rakesh Anand Bakshi – the genie of the book.:)

1. The title doesn't commensurate much with the context.2. The book is a collection of personal interviews of 12 incredible indian directors.3. It contains some inspiring revelations of their personal lives.4. Not for those who are seeking some technical or directorial guidelines.5. One time read.

Insightful; through the eyes of the most popular Hindi Film Directors.Lacks a rhythm; becomes a little redundant soon enough Still, worthy of a read for ardent fans of such film-makers.