Filmmaker Manjul Sinha reminisces about his years of struggle. Picture by Hardeep Singh

Ranchi, Sept. 13: Behind the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry lie hard work, talent, lots of struggle and a bit of luck. But, no matter how hard it is, you must never give up on your dreams.

This is what television serial director Manjul Sinha feels.

Sinha, who was in the capital last week, has directed a number of successful TV serials, including Yeh Jo Hai Jindagi, Hum Panchi Ek Dal Ke, PA Saheb, Naya Nukkad and Siddharth Kak?s Surabhi, for the Doordarshan.

He also directed Jee Saheb, Rishtey and Yeh hai Bombay Meri Jaan for the Zee TV apart from other mini series and documentaries for other channels. Right now, he has four projects lined up for Sahara and Zee TV.

A Ranchi boy, Sinha went to the Tiliya Military School in Delhi. After completing his graduation from the Hindu College in New Delhi, Sinha passed the entrance examination of the National Defence Academy(NDA).

?I was in a dilemma after my school-leaving examinations. I couldn?t make up my mind whether to choose the defence or filmmaking. But the choice was made by default after I failed to clear the NDA medical test. I went to the Film and Television Institute of India(FTII), Pune, for a three-year course in filmmaking,? said Sinha.

?It was not easy for me to go against the wishes of my parents? who wanted me to join the Administrative Service. I received a scholarship from the institute for the course,? said Sinha.

However, said Sinha, that was just the beginning. The years after the FTII brought the real challenge for Sinha . Grit and hard work helped him in the initial years of struggle. A diploma film, made as a compulsory project, brought him fame and popularity.

The documentary, I think I can if only you can, on spastic children, was nominated for the National awards.

It also caught the attention of eminent film-maker Shyam Benegal who was Sinha?s faculty in the final year of the course .

?I once had an altercation with Shyam-ji in the institute in due course of a class boycott. But, I later apologised to him for my behaviour. It was then that he introduced me to Ulka, an Ad agency,? said Sinha.

However, advertising was not Sinha?s cup of tea. Making Adfilms was not what Sinha wanted to achieve. But, it was after hopping many agencies that he got the chance to direct independently.

?My experience in Adfilms helped me to develop contacts and finally I got my first break to direct the serial Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi for DD in 1984,? said Sinha.

?I remember how often frustration overpowered me during those 10 years of Adfilm making. Adfilm?s were not what I wanted to make. I wanted to direct films, independently,? said Sinha.

Life in Bombay was also a tough experience for the ace director. However, said Sinha, on the flip side of the coin the struggle helps one to gain self-confidence.

?Despite years of struggle, which included many failures, I never regretted my decision to pursue my dream of becoming a director.?

For the wannabe directors, Sinha?s advice is: ?Today talent itself is not sufficient to create a niche in the industry. One should also have a strong passion, good contacts, lots of luck and the courage to pursue their dreams, come what may.?

?There is no dearth of talents in Jharkhand. To start with, one can either get into film institutes or start making short films on their own. Those who cannot afford these two options can work under good directors as assistants before starting individual projects,? added Sinha.