On the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti, National Award-winning filmmaker Rajesh Mapuskar reflects on the deeply spiritual journey behind his upcoming AI-generated film Chiranjeevi Hanuman: The Eternal, calling it nothing short of a divine opportunity.
Mapuskar admits that he wasn’t always a devout follower of Lord Hanuman. “Earlier, my connection was limited to watching my parents visit the Hanuman temple every Saturday, offering sindoor, black sesame, and oil,” he shares. However, immersing himself in the making of the film has brought about a profound shift. “As I’ve gone deeper into understanding his character, I’ve grown to admire him—especially through the depictions in the Valmiki Ramayan and the interpretations by various writers.”
The filmmaker also speaks about the personal transformation he has experienced through the Hanuman Chalisa. “Since I began working on this project, I’ve been reciting it daily. Its power is incredible—it brings balance to the mind and offers encouragement. Even a single recitation can lift you out of low moments,” he says.
Describing Hanuman as “undoubtedly the world’s first superhero,” Mapuskar emphasizes the relevance of his spirit in modern times. “Hanuman resides within all of us. In moments of self-doubt, when we question our purpose, his spirit guides us to rise above our fears. It’s not about physical presence, but about embracing that inner power—the belief that we too can ‘fly,’ metaphorically speaking.”
Calling the film a blessing, Mapuskar says, “I truly feel there is a divine force guiding me through this journey—holding my hand and encouraging me to tell his story in my own way. It’s given me complete creative freedom.” He adds that exploring Hanuman’s essence—his power and their relevance in today’s world—has been an enriching and enlightening experience.
Olivia Sarkar is a Senior Content Producer on the Entertainment and Lifestyle desk with 6 years of experience. In 6 years, she worked with ANI, IANS, Zee News. Known for covering trends and engaging storytelling, she covers a wide spectrum of topics including entertainment news, fashion, fitness, health, food, travel, astrology. From major film announcements to industry controversies. Throughout her career, she has interviewed several notable personalities such as Femina Miss India World 2022 Sini Shetty, Miss World 2024 USA contestant Victoria DiSorbo, Miss France 2020 Clémence Botino.Her interview portfolio also includes celebrities like Milind Soman, Tiger Shroff, and Vikrant Massey, along with acclaimed singers Shubha Mudgal and Padma Shri awardee Dr. Jaspinder Narula. Beyond work, Olivia enjoys exploring new food joints, being wanderlust, and writing poetry. You can reach her out on X: @OliviaSarkar11
