'Hamari Adhuri Kahani' script writer Suhrita Sengupta credits Mahesh Bhatt for encouragement

"All That Could Have Been", written by Mahesh Bhatt and Suhrita Sengupta, is the book on which the Bollywood film 'Hamari Adhuri Kahani', starring Vidya Balan and Emraan Hashmi, is based. The film, which will hit screens this Friday, trails the story of a woman named Vasudha and the choices she makes to find happiness and meaning to her life.

This is Suhrita's first collaborative effort with Mahesh Bhatt and Vishesh Films.

Talking about the association, Suhrita says, "During Durga Puja, I briefly interacted with Mahesh Bhatt and shared my narrative about Goddess and my interest in writing. Later we realized that we both

were individually approaching the lead character 'Vasudha' in our own respective ways."

Suhrita believes that the central character Vasudha was pulsating in her nerves.

"Vasudha's character is very similar to the character named Rajnondini. I had invested a large part of my life building this character, who is married into a zamindari family and whose hollowness kills her gradually," adds Suhrita.

This is Suhrita's first attempt at writing a screenplay, which is very different from novel writing she feels.

"When Mahesh Bhatt saw my passion for writing, he encouraged me to write the scene like the chapter of a novel. She adds that as they went into the detailing of the text, the movements were finalised with a certain kind of inescapable honesty. He beholds the truth in one's writing very closely," feels Suhrita.

Sharing her experience about working with Mahesh Bhatt, she says, "He is not only a living encyclopaedia; he is also a university of creative writing! He taught me about story movement, balancing it with

the correct sub plots and placing the exact cards of action leading to reaction on the table, which are essential for a good script."

She accepts that she is a writer by choice.

"Writing has been my companion ever since I was 11-year-old. As a friend, as a partner, my writing has never left my side."

However, she laments that just like needlework; writing is just another ability you have, which can't be celebrated.

Currently, she is co-writing 'Ab Raat Guzarneywaali Hai' with Mahesh Bhatt. It is the story of a modern day mystic, who accepts life's essential truths by struggling through them. It will be directed by Gurudev Bhalla.

There is also 'Love Games' which is coming from the kitty of Vishesh Films. Along with this, her novel 'Certain Other Paradises' will be out soon.

As for her future plans, Suhrita sees herself as a spiritually awakened screenplay writer and novelist of modern times. She wants to translate 'A Taste of Life' in Bengali and work with Mahesh Bhatt on

his autobiography.

"That would be the truest dream project, to help write a life as his for the world to sit back and know," Suhrita says.

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