Writer-director Mozez Singh opens up about his unconventional journey into filmmaking

Mozez Singh, a filmmaker with a background in music video production, transitioned from working in the corporate world to discovering his true passion for storytelling. Known for his films like Zubaan and Human, Singh has always been drawn to human dramas, often intertwined with music. In his latest project, Famous, a documentary on rapper Honey Singh, he delves into the raw and emotional aspects of the artist's life. 

In an exclusive conversation with Bazaar India, he gets candid about his journey and what lies ahead.

Harper’s Bazaar: How did your directorial journey start?

Mozez Singh: I’ve loved films since I was a kid. But I belonged to a very different world—born in an industrialist family in Delhi.After I finished my college and was looking for work, I realised that none of the jobs—mostly in banking and finance sector—were not striking a chord with me. I told my parents about it.

Eventually, I got a job at a record label in New York and spent the next five years there. It was only when I started working on music video productions, I discovered the power of the camera in bringing a story alive. It was like an epiphany for me. So I packed up my life in America and decided to move to Mumbai. And that’s how it happened. One thing led to the other, and I started off as a writer. Finally, I got the opportunity to direct a music video.The biggest aha moment of my life was when I said action and cut for the first time. I realised that this is my calling.

HB: What inspires you as a storyteller?

MS: Many filmmakers and writers inspire me. I watch cinema from all over the world, and am a voracious reader too. I think films and books have fed my imagination. But I have to say that as a storyteller, the stories that I gravitate towards the most are human dramas. If I have to filter it further, I like to tell stories that are set around the world of music in some way—for instance, both my projects, Human (2022) and Zubaan (2015), had a lot of musical inferences.

HB: There’s talk about your new project, Famous, with Honey Singh. Could you tell us more about it?

MS: Netflix called me two-and-a-half-year ago and offered me the film. In the beginning I was a bit unsure because I’ve never made a documentary. But it was also my chance to do something new.So I said yes.And then the second thing that I really gravitated towards—the story was actually the protagonist.YoYo Honey Singh has a very interesting story. I have covered all aspects of his life. So it is very personal, raw, and emotional. It speaks the truth. And I am really thankful to him for trusting me.

HB: Apart from films, what brings you joy?

MS: Many things bring me joy—music, fashion, travel, spirituality, and beauty in any form.

 

Photo credit: Vansh Virmani

This piece originally appeared in the December print edition of Harper's Bazaar India

 

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