Journey of love by the side of Ganges- Movie “Jaya Ganga” by Vijay Singh
An effort
of author and director Vijay Singh, to bring out spiritualism of Ganges on
celluloid by his first feature film Jaya Ganga was mesmerizing for cinema
lovers in country. A chronicle of young writers’s spiritual and romantic quest
for his mysterious soulmate in Singh’s film gives a new look to Indian Myths
and superstitions, which explores them objectively and seeks to prove them
false. The movie is based on Vijay’s first novel Jaya Ganga- In Search of River
Goddess, in 1980’s.
Movie
received attentions of many critics throughout the nation when it was first
released in India in 1996 at 27th International Film Festival of
India. Adding to the glory of Vijay’s first feature film, it really impressed
the Parisian, and it was shown for 49 weeks in Paris. After winning the
Director in Focus award at The Indian Film Festival in Ireland 2012, he decided
to bring his celebrated piece of work to his homeland Punjab.
Vijay
Singh completed his studies from Punjab Public School, Nabha, Punjab. Remembering his childhood
memories he said, “I was engrossed in my childhood memories when I saw my
childhood friend Neelam Mansingh, here at this screening. This is really an
emotional moment for me to be in Chandigarh.”
Being an
India by heart and soul, Vijay is established in Paris now. After holding
postgraduate degree from Jawahar Lal Nehru University, he moved to Paris for
his doctoral work in Social Sciences. He contributed articles in French press.
Contributing to the articles to newspapers like The Gaurdian, Liberation and
other French news papers, Vijay singh decided to take journey to river Ganga,
from its sources to snowbound Himalyas to Bay of Bengal, after completing his
studies.
The
journey was later converted into book and a feature film after that. Goodies
related to the movie were also introduced at the screening after NFDC (
National Film Development Council) launched its DVD in Mumbai. Love for India
can be depicted in Vijya’s work as his latest film, India by song, won the Best
Documentary audience award at River to River 2012 Florence Indian Film Festival
in Italy.
Bagging
up various renowned awards throughout the world such as Centre National des
Letters Fellowship on two occasions, the Leonardo da Vinci Award for screenplay
writing and Prix Villa Medicis hors murs for foreign Literature, Vijay is now
booked with his next feature, the Opium Symphony, which is again adapted from
his novel Whirlpool of Shadows.
Answering
to the queries of viewers Vijay said, “He would love to make another feature on
Ganges which keeps him inspiring every time.” Moreover, Vijay is said to be the
soul of dual nations. He is Parisian when he is in Paris and a Culture loving
Indian when lands to the soil of India.
