Interview with Oscar Award Winner Resul Pookutty on Nanak Shah Fakir

• published: 23 Mar 2015
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This summer witness the 600 year old history with one-of-a-kind ‘Magnum Opus’ on Guru Nanak Ji titled ‘Nanak Shah Fakir’. ‘Watch this film and you will never walk alone’. Nanak Shah Fakir is a first of its kind historic epic that is produced by Harinder Sikka, a retired Navy Commander, under the banner of ‘Gurbani Media’ with clear conviction that each moment was guided by the Almighty. Nanak Shah Fakir, the film, is named after and on the life and teachings of Guru Nanak. Born in 1469 A.D. Guru Nanak traveled the world to spread the message of equality, peace and ‘Ik Onkar’ (There’s but One God) that has survived and risen above the flux of conflict and time, impacting millions of followers across the globe and given birth to ‘SIKHISM’ as a way of life. (‘Sikh’ signifies a disciple). Guru Nanak was referred to as ‘Shah’ by the Muslims and ‘Fakir’ by the Hindus, the highest honor in both religions and hence came to be known as ‘Nanak Shah Fakir’. Shot in nine locations across India, the film follows the great Saint on an epic journey and presents glimpses of a personality who gave a unique perspective to human life. Guru Nanak was endowed with universal spirit and profound aura of a mystic. He brought dignity to human courage and empathy. As the adage goes, ‘where there is a will, there is a way’, for this pious project, Guru Nanak led all the way. Co-produced by Samar Sikka and Resul Pookutty, Oscar winners AR Rahman and Resul wove magic by way of mentoring and sound designing respectively. Hollywood composer Tuomas Kantelinen added mesmerizing original score. Legendary Uttam Singh filled in with soul stirring music to Guru Nanak’s Shabads that were sung by the renowned Padma awardee singers Pt. Jasraj, Bhai Nirmal Singh and others. Prof. Amrit Basra of Delhi University, a renowned researcher and historian at Bhai Veer Singh Sadan scripted the film and bound it with facts and data. The creative genius of Rahul Nanda reflects spiritually on the beautiful posters and creatives. The sound mixing of the film was done at the famous Galaxy Studio, Belgium and mastering of songs at the renowned 'Abbey Road' studios, London, that was once home to the ‘Beatles’. The film's strongest support yet came from Mr Ajay Piramal who stood by the producer like the 'Gibralter's Rock', all through. The cast includes Arif Zakaria, Adil Hussain, Shraddha Kaul, Puneet Sikka, Anurag Arora, Narendra Jha, Govind Pandey and many more. It is pertinent to mention here that keeping in line with the tradition, Guru Nanak has been portrayed through computer graphics only and that too from the back, amidst a ray of light. The extraordinary experiences during the production yet were overwhelming and deeply humbling. While some have been recorded on reels, others are embedded in the heart, forever. Gracefully, the film enjoys full support and Sri Akal Takht Sahib.