In this insightful conversation, SMM Ausaja, a passionate archivist and film historian, takes us through his remarkable journey of preserving Indian cinema’s rich legacy. From humble beginnings in Kanpur, collecting Amitabh Bachchan postcards, to spearheading the preservation of cinema at Osians, Ausaja discusses the challenges of archiving and the passion driving his work. He shares fascinating anecdotes, including Bachchan’s lesser-known early struggles and his admiration for icons like Harivansh Rai Bachchan. Ausaja delves into the artistry behind film posters and the importance of preserving this “dead art.” His collaborations with Bengali cinema and his efforts to raise awareness about forgotten cinematic legends highlight his dedication to the cause.
00:00 – Introduction
01:35 – From Postcards to Preservation: The Early Days of a Film Collector
02:21 – Expanding Horizons in Mumbai
03:57 – The Magic of Amitabh Bachchan: A Fan’s Journey
05:24 – Entering the World of Cinema: A Career in Archiving
07:09 – Bachchan: The Saga of Excellence – 14 Years in the Making
08:04 – Dr Harivansh Rai Bachchan: Poetry, Politics, and Pandit Nehru’s Influence
11:02 – BTS Stories About Amitabh Bachchan
13:11 – The Lost Art: Hand-Designed Posters and Their Legacy
16:10 – Relationship with The Film Fraternity
17:21 – Lesser Known Personalities From Films
19:43 – Preserving India’s Film Heritage: Challenges and Hopes for the Future
22:00 – Bengali Cinema: Satyajit Ray, Suchitra Sen, and a Collector’s Tribute
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Connect with Us
Mohua Chinappa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohua-chinappa/
The Mohua Show: https://www.themohuashow.com/
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Connect with the Guest
SMM Ausaja: https://www.linkedin.com/in/smm-ausaja-193a6a3/
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Disclaimer
The views expressed by our guests are their own. We do not endorse and are not responsible for any views expressed by our guests on our podcast and its associated platforms.
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