Mumbai, August 8 (IANS) Veteran action director Sham Kaushal turned emotional as he completed 40 years in the Hindi film industry on August 8.
Reminiscing about his humble beginnings, the struggles he faced after arriving in Mumbai from Punjab in search of a livelihood, and the people who stood by him during his toughest days, Sham expressed his heart out in a video on his social media account.
The father of Bollywood star Vicky Kaushal recalled that on August 8, 1980, he officially became a member of the Movie Stunt Artists’ Association, marking the beginning of his journey in the film industry.
“I thank God every day, every moment. But today is a special day. Forty-six years ago, on this day, August 8, 1980, I got the opportunity to become a member of the Movie Stunts Union. That was the day I became a part of this beautiful film industry,” Sham said.
The veteran action director revealed that acting or filmmaking was never part of his original plan.
“I didn’t come from my village in Punjab to join the film industry. I came in search of a job. I did get a job, but I couldn’t continue because I had a huge inferiority complex. Then, because of some friends, and as God had planned, I became a part of this film industry,” he shared.
Remembering the people who helped him survive in Mumbai, Sham expressed his gratitude to friends who supported him financially when he couldn’t even afford the union membership fee.
“At that time, I had to pay Rs 1,000 to become a member of the film industry, and I didn’t have that kind of money. I am deeply grateful to those friends who lent me Rs 100 or Rs 200 each so that I could pay the membership fee,” he said.
He also recalled receiving food and shelter when he had almost nothing.
“I am grateful to those hotel owners who fed me free of cost and to the friends who helped me pay the rent for my room,” he added.
Sham further thanked the stunt fraternity for giving him opportunities to learn and grow.
“I am grateful to all the stuntmen, stunt directors and action directors of the Movie Stunt Union who taught me the work and gave me opportunities. Because of them, I was able to earn a livelihood and support my family.”
Recalling another milestone, he said, “In May 1990, I got the opportunity to become an action director. I am thankful to all the producers and directors who trusted me, gave me work and allowed me to learn.”
Concluding his message, Sham praised Mumbai and the film fraternity for embracing him despite his hardships.
“The film industry is wonderful. Mumbai is wonderful. The people are wonderful. The world is beautiful. May God keep everyone happy and healthy. Love you. God bless you.”
Over the years, Sham Kaushal has established himself as one of Hindi cinema’s most respected action directors.
He has choreographed action sequences for several acclaimed films, including Black Friday, Krrish, Kaminey, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Padmaavat, Sanju, Gangs of Wasseypur, Dangal, PK, Tiger Zinda Hai, Simmba, URI: The Surgical Strike, Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva, Dunki and Animal, amongst many others.
–IANS
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