Factual
Shekhar Kapur releases documentary on spiritual guru Amma
MUMBAI: The world-renowned film director, actor and producer Shekhar Kapur today launched a new documentary titled “The Science of Compassion” on the great spiritual leader and humanitarian Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi (Amma). The nearly 50-minute film was shot at Amma’s ashram in the Kollam District of Kerala over four days, during her 60th birthday celebrations in September 2013.
In the brilliantly produced documentary, Shekhar Kapur investigates the source of human compassion and creativity. It includes a rare, lengthy private interview with Amma, as well as with Nobel Prize-winning scientist Dr. Leland Hartwell and many others about Amma’s unique approach to life and how her love has touched, and in many cases, transformed their lives.
Said Shekhar Kapur: “The search for what lies beyond our own individuality has been with me since I was 15 years of age. I have been grappling with questions like, what is the true nature of love? Is there love beyond ownership? What is compassion? Is it something you do or is it a state of mind or a state of being? If you become a much more compassionate person, does it alter your physiology? Do you become a much more intuitive being? It is not only a spiritual search for me, but a scientific quest too. Meeting Amma on her 60th birthday was a huge opportunity for me to investigate these deeper truths. I ask her the same questions in the documentary.”
“Being in the presence of Amma is a unique experience because you feel the energy radiating from her. When you ask infinite questions, you cannot expect answers in finite ways. In fact, there are no answers. There is only experiencing. When you go to Amma, you go for the experience of her,” added Shekhar Kapur. “Spirituality is not about miracles and drama, but about experiencing subtle and incremental changes through which you evolve. I have not remained unaffected by Amma’s message of love and compassion. The more I realize how incredibly loving and compassionate she is, the more it changes me subtly and incrementally.”
Mata Amritanandamayi Math vice chairman Swami Amritaswarupananda said: “On behalf of the Mata Amritanandamayi Math, I would like to say that to have an artist as renowned and talented as Sri. Shekhar Kapur focus his insight and creative vision on our beloved Amma has filled us all with joy. He is one of India’s treasures of film, and through his artistic direction, open-heartedness and genuine questions as an interviewer, ‘The Science of Compassion’ was able to capture Amma’s unique combination of beauty, grace, humility and wisdom. We are all indebted to him for that.”
MUMBAI: India’s most famous hot seat is about to welcome an unlikely first-timer. For the first time on Hindi general entertainment television, industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla will appear on Kaun Banega Crorepati, the iconic quiz show hosted by Amitabh Bachchan.
The special episode marks a rare meeting point of boardroom heft and prime-time television, bringing one of India’s most influential business leaders face to face with the country’s most enduring screen legend. It is a crossover that blends intellect, leadership and popular culture, all under KBC’s familiar spotlight.
Birla’s appearance dovetails neatly with the show’s current theme, Jahaan Akal Hai, Wahan Akad Hai, which celebrates the confidence that comes from clarity of thought and knowledge. His presence lends weight to the idea that sharp thinking and conviction are as vital in life as they are in the quiz chair.
In a thoughtful conversation with Bachchan, Birla shared an upbeat view of India’s economic journey, pointing to the nation’s rapid growth and the scale of opportunity opening up across industries and communities. He spoke of momentum, ambition and a future shaped by enterprise and ideas.
The episode is not all serious talk. In lighter moments, Birla confessed his long-standing admiration for Bachchan, calling him his favourite actor and admitting to a touch of nervousness at answering questions in front of the Shahenshah himself. The candour adds a human touch to a man more often seen in headlines than on television sets.
The special episode airs on Monday, 29 December at 9.00 pm on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV.
