Rajkumar Hirani shares why Satyajit Ray remains his guiding light in cinema

Satyajit Ray is a name that shines brightly in Indian and world cinema. Decades after his passing, his films continue to influence filmmakers across the globe. Among his admirers is Bollywood’s celebrated director Rajkumar Hirani. He recently spoke about the impact Ray’s work had on him during his film school days.

Hirani, best known for blockbusters like ‘3 Idiots’, ‘PK’, ‘Sanju’ and most recently ‘Dunki’, was in Kolkata for an event hosted by the Merchant’s Chamber of Commerce & Industry. He was joined by film critic Rajeev Masand for an engaging session.

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On the sidelines, Hirani shared his admiration for the legendary Bengali filmmaker.

The director recalled how Ray’s films became an important part of his learning years. “When I went to film school, there were weeks and months when all we did was watch Ray’s films. We were all huge fans. Honestly, I don’t think there is a single person in this country who doesn’t admire Satyajit Ray’s work,” Hirani said.

Ray, born in Kolkata on May 2, 1921, was not only a filmmaker but also a storyteller in many forms. He was a screenwriter, illustrator, essayist, and even music composer. His contribution to Indian cinema is immense.

Classics like ‘The Apu Trilogy’, ‘Pather Panchali’, ‘Jalsaghar’, ‘Charulata’, ‘Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne’, and ‘Shatranj Ke Khiladi’ still stand as timeless pieces of art.

Also Read: When Shyam Benegal credited Satyajit Ray for revolutionizing Indian cinema

During his career, Ray won 32 National Film Awards and received global recognition at major film festivals. In 1992, he got the Academy Honorary Award, becoming the first Indian filmmaker to receive an Oscar for lifetime achievement.

That same year, India honoured him with the Bharat Ratna, the nation’s highest civilian award.

For Hirani, who has given Indian cinema some of its most loved films, Ray remains a constant guide and source of inspiration. His last directorial, ‘Dunki’, starring Shah Rukh Khan, addressed the issue of illegal immigration. The story revolved around people taking risky routes, popularly called “donkey journeys,” to settle abroad. Along with Shah Rukh, the film featured an ensemble cast including Taapsee Pannu, Vicky Kaushal, Boman Irani, Vikram Kochhar, and Anil Grover.

‘Dunki’ managed to strike a chord with audiences and has earned over ₹400 crore worldwide.

Hirani’s own career has given films that balance entertainment with meaningful themes. From ‘Munna Bhai MBBS’ to ‘3 Idiots’ and ‘PK’, his stories often leave audiences thinking long after the credits roll.