There are two kinds of films. Those which get theatrical release, and those which remain unreleased. Some die natural death but the good ones always manage to surive. From one screening to another, one daaru party discussion to another and soon become underground cult hit. I first heard about Urf Professor during one such bakchodi session. And those with cinema in their DNA, always get to know about those hush-hush screenings. But I missed Urf Professor every time. By then, kew everything about the film. Knew everything about its director Pankaj Advani too. But never got to meet him or see the film. There was also Sunday, Cape Karma and more.
And he was also the co-writer of one of my all time favourite Shah Rukh Khan film Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa. And the brain behind series of popular shorts called Toofan TV on Channel V. And those who knew him, always had great things to say about Pankaj. Those who matter, whose cinema matters to you and who understand cinema. Finally got to know him during Sankat City.
Last year, his film (Sankat City) released. A madcap comedy, complete roller coaster ride and full of weird characters. Do watch. Few sms exchanges, few calls here and there, and met him few times. Never got a chance to sit down with him and discuss life beyond cinema. He was always the same, in casuals, wearing his smile.
Remember watching Sankat City at its premiere at PVR Juhu. The man wasn’t dressed for the premiere either, was in casuals again, but was wearing his same benign smile, calm and composed. Like always. Met him for the first time there. Next few days, remember exchanging few smses, the good, and the bad, and the fate of the film. He seemed like one of those who knew how to handle it all. Shoestring budget, no publicity, no big face on the poster, no clues, no interest from those who matter, but you read his posts here and you know that the man can survive anything with little bit of wry humour and his now famous The Monk With Wings. Bakchodi is BIUTIFUL too.
Got to know about him today morning, through a sms from a friend. Could not believe it. But bad news has a habit of turning out to be true always. Sad. Scary. Shocking. Still can’t believe. At 45, is this the age to say goodbye ? But then, who knows, may be the Monk gave him wings for some another reason. We will never know.
Remember the quote which he put in one of his posts on Sankat City – The city is not a concrete jungle, it is a human zoo.
And you Sirji, are out of it.
RIP.
Will miss you.
F.i.g.h.t C.l.u.b 