Akka Makes Memories In Films

The woman who taught a generation of Indians the importance of teamwork with her message of Ek Anek Aur Ekta, Vijaya Mulay was born on this day.

Vijaya Mulay: Queen Of Indian Documentary Films; Source: Wikimedia Commons

Note: The story is told from a first-person perspective for narrative purposes only.

I was born in the Shahar of Mayanagri. I had never seen a film in my entire life, let alone producing one. Only Bhagwaan Ji knew my future. I was a fun-loving kid back in my childhood. From riding bicycles to participating in sports and dramatics, I did as I pleased. Like any other normal girl of those days, I got married at a young age. The same year, my husband got a transfer to Patna. I had read a lot of books on a variety of language, culture, people and traditions, but Bihar was an altogether different paradise for me.

After my marriage, I completed my Bachelor’s Degree from Patna University which permitted women to study privately. I made friends and went for watching films. The films enthralled me and made me want to know more about them.

As time went by, in 1946, I won a state scholarship to study in Britain. But I was not ready to leave my family behind. My husband insisted on not letting this opportunity slip away. Soon enough, I landed at the University of Leeds for completing my Master’s degree in education. Side-by-side, my interest in cinematic art increased. Watching a film or two which was earlier a pass time, now became my serious passion.

When I came back to my heavenly abode- my home in Patna in 1949, I became an active member of the local film society and this was the only one during those days which promoted entirely different kinds of films. Some of my friends and I decided to start the Patna Film Society. But I couldn’t follow my passion for long as I got appointed as an Education Officer in the Central Ministry of Education in 1954.

I left the film arena but films never left me. Even in Delhi, I found many like-minded people who were film maniacs like me. All of us decided to start the Delhi Film Society. As time passed, eight other film societies came together to form one of the largest film societies of India called the Federation of Film Societies of India in 1959. The Godfather of the Bengali Film Industry, Satyajit Ray was the founding president whereas I and Chidanand were elected as the joint secretaries.

In the year 1962, I again went back to the streets of my childhood, Bombay, to work at the Central Board of Film Certification. But soon, a person named Louis Malle came barging into my life, showing great dislike for me and my work. I had never thought that this sworn enmity would blossom into friendship in no time. After working with Satyajit and other famous filmmakers, I suddenly had the idea of making a film on my own. I was lucky enough to have Satyajit and Malle by my side who became my sole supporters in making ‘The Tidal Bore’. Making it to the official entry in Mannheim Film Festival through this film, my dream of achieving something big indeed came true.

With time, my knowledge and skills in films doubled and tripled by leaps and bounds. UNICEF hired me to produce test modules for children between the age group of six to nine. I was also given this once in a lifetime opportunity to head the Center for Educational Technology to prepare educational films which were to be broadcasted in 2400 villages and that too in 4 different languages.

Then came a time, when I was inspired to write a script on unity which later on came to be known as Ek Anek Aur Ekta. My excitement knew no bounds when I directed this film which would later on become popular amongst so many generations of Indians.

I soon reached the retirement age but not before gathering several honourable awards and recognitions. It’s 19 May 2019. India has changed drastically. And film industry has grown by leaps and bounds. Here I am, laying on my death bed and counting the last few breaths of my life. I will finally leave this world and go on an entirely different journey. On a journey where cameras and films will no more be my life but a distant memory altogether.