Actors are overrated; give writers equal importance: lyricist AM Turaz

Bollywood lyricist AM Turaz, known for his work in films such as Bajirao Mastani, Padmaavat, Badla and Guzaarish, feels actors are overrated in the film industry and adds that writers should be given equal importance.

"People always talk about actors. I am not saying it's a wrong thing, but I think writers should also get equal importance as the actors. An actor doesn't come up with his own lines while shooting for a film. He works according to the film's script and recites dialogues, which are written by writers. I feel actors are overrated in this industry. If actors have the ability, then they should write their own lines, who's stopping them? You don't have to give any kind of exam to write in films. So, what I'm saying is when you are using someone's dialogues or songs, you should respect that person because it's his right. If you are not doing that then same thing will happen to you because you are creating that kind of environment in the industry," Turaz said, while interacting with the media in Mumbai.

He added the writers' association was working on ensuring greater importance to the profession. "We don't give importance to people who build foundation of things and we always see things on its face value," Turaz said, of the habit of identifying films merely with the stars.

Asked if he faced creative differences while working with filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, with whom he has collaborated for projects such as Bajirao Mastani, Padmaavat and Guzaarish, Turaz replied: "He is a genius and a good director. I am writer so, I only think from a writer's point of view, but he works as a director and so he thinks from the director's point of view. The entire film runs in his mind. There are instances when we do not agree but it always helps us to get good results."

There is this view that lyricists and composers of presentday films don't deliver meaningful and melodious. There have also been accusations of vulgar lyrics over the years.

"I feel a writer or a lyricist should feel responsible for his work. A filmmakers might expect something from a writer, but as a writer one should discuss the matter and try to deliver only good things to the audience. People look up to us, so we should respect that. It is not that I am the most talented person in this industry. There are many people who are more talented than us but we have blessings of God and our audience. So, we shouldn't disappoint them."

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( With inputs from IANS )