Produced and Directed By: Brahmanand Singh
Film Directors are in charge of executing on a creative vision for a feature film. While they are responsible for everything in a movie, Brahmanand S Singh, a National award-winning filmmaker and writer falls in a different category. He makes one of the best music documentaries, from RD Burman’s ‘Pancham’ to his latest Kaagaz Ki Kashti (The Paperboat) portraying the life story of late ghazal maestro Jagjit Singh. Historically speaking, this movie is important as it chronicles the life of Jagjit in a fascinating and moving way about the vicissitudes of his life. The film was in the making for 3-4 years and by the look of it, was quite a task.
The main movie symbolizes everything and many things that Jagjit Singh, a man from humble roots and simple being that he was, might have actually thought. The part of storytelling is well documented with a very dedicated, creative and critical team of highly talented cinema professionals. The 2 hour 7 minute film gives views from stalwarts of the music industry like Ustad Zakir Hussain, Gulzar, Mahesh Bhatt, Subhash Ghai, Pankaj Udhas, Talat Aziz, and of course, Chitra Singh, and many others form a beautiful narrative of the King of Ghazals.

The film focuses on Jagjit Singh’s success, his marriage to Chitra, his family and also the loss he suffered when he lost his son to a car accident. You can capture the simplicity, humour and the lightness with which the Padma Bhushan awardee took everything. At the same time, the depth with which he always approached his music was equally enchanting. He is one of those wonderful beings in whose company you felt inspired and elevated and at the same time, rooted and practical.

The life journey of a small town boy Jagjit Singh who broke through the norms and revolutionized the Ghazal scenario is portrayed in front of you in its entirety. Journeying through his struggle, stardom, love, laughter and loss … Exploring not just the musician, but the man behind it all. It’s not just about his life, but also of the monumental legacy he has left behind.

DVD two has the archives of ‘Kaagaz Ki Kashti’ a priceless collection of over 3 hours of captivating interviews on Jagjit Singh’s life, music and magic. This is much much more of what you saw in the film ‘Kaagaz Ki Kashti’. The collection is broadly divided into seven categories which are The Musician, Lyrical World of Ghazals, Son Memoirs, Persona, Formative Years, You & I, Wistful Memories by Chitra Singh.

The last DVD is a never seen before, HD recorded, complete Paris concert of 2011, one of Jagjit Singh’s last ones, featuring 20 songs spread over 2 hours. Regale to songs like Main Nashe Mein Hun, Jhuki Jhuki Si Nazar, Tumko Dekha Toh, Kaagaz ki Kashti and many more.

The coffee table book, ‘Lightness of Being’ are words with images, and explores the everyday risks and pains and delights that came part of Jagjit Singh’s life.

Brahmanand Singh brings legend back to life, with meticulously researched, superbly edited work that every fan of Jagjit Singh would want to possess. The film has won several awards and Kaagaz ki Kashti produced and directed by, Brahmanand Singh a national award-winning filmmaker and writer is sure to draw a great response for a film.
Rating: *****

Reviewed by: Verus Ferreira