Jackie Shroff wants to make documentary on mother

Bollywood actor Jackie Shroff says he wants to chronicle his mother’s journey as a child from central Asia to Mumbai in a biography or documentary as he says it is a story that he wants his grandchildren to know.

Shroff has been announced as the brand ambassador for the Mumbai International Film Festival for Documentary, Short and Animation Films (MIFF), which will begin in Mumbai from January 28.

The 58-year-old actor says he has always been fascinated by his late mother’s stories when he was a child and has been thinking about making a documentary on it for a long time now.

“I have grown up listening to my mother’s stories about how she and her siblings along with their grandmother came from central Asia to the island city of Mumbai. Hers’ is a great story and I want to chronicle it. I want to write it or if not that then I will surely make a documentary on her journey,” Shroff told PTI.

“I have her memories but I want my children’s children to remember their great grandmother as well.”

The actor said he is humbled to be chosen as the brand ambassador of a festival like MIFF as he personally loves watching documentaries, which he feels showcase the realities of life as opposed to movies, which are mostly unrealistic.

“I have grown up watching Film Division documentaries. I personally like this form of storytelling. I am so glad that I have been asked to be the brand ambassador at MIFF and I am humbled that the organisers chose me over the many other popular Bollywood stars who have a far wider reach and popularity than me.”

MIFF is a biennial event organised by Film Divisions of India, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The festival director, Mukesh Sharma said they have already received a record 831 entries this year and the selection process is underway.

“Apart from screening films in the international and national section, MIFF Prism, Jury retrospectives, Animation and other packages from different countries will be screened.

The festival will also have master classes by renowned filmmakers.

When asked if protesting FTII students, who have been allegedly barred from attending IFFI, will be allowed to participate in MIFF, Sharma said, “Of course they are. Anyone who wants to participate is most welcome. I am not aware what is happening but they can come to MIFF.”

Inputs by PTI