Hansal Mehta Honors Poetic Legacy
Filmmaker channels poetic legacy in a visual tribute that unites art with cinematic vision.

Image: Instagram
Hansal Mehta, known for his uncompromising approach to storytelling and cinematic innovation, recently shared a post on Instagram that melds the art of cinema with the timeless power of poetry. The post centers on a stirring verse in Hindi that reads:
अशआ’र मिरे यूँ तो ज़माने के लिए हैं
कुछ शेर फ़क़त उन को सुनाने के लिए हैं
ash.ār mire yuuñ to zamāne ke liye haiñ
kuchh sher faqat un ko sunāne ke liye haiñ
– जाँ निसार अख़्तर
This quote, originally penned by the revered poet Jaan Nisar Akhtar, resonates deeply as it reminds us that certain verses and words are not just meant to be recited but are a tribute to those who truly understand and live their essence. Mehta’s inclusion of these lines in his recent Instagram update is more than a mere nod to literary tradition—it is a reflection of his own journey in merging art with life.
Poetic Inspirations
In his post, Hansal Mehta not only highlights the beauty of Akhtar’s words but also underscores the power of poetry to capture feelings that cinema often strives to express. The poet’s observation—that some verses exist solely to be heard by certain souls—mirrors the way filmmakers seek to convey stories that transcend time and circumstance, touching on universal emotions. For Mehta, whose filmography includes bold narratives that challenge societal norms and celebrate individual stories, this poetic tribute feels like a natural extension of his creative ethos.
The image accompanying the post, credited to @khamkhaphotoartist, lends a visual eloquence to the words. The picture, with its carefully composed ambiance and cinematic lighting, reflects a mood that complements the poetic lines. It invites his followers to not only admire a visual treat but also to ponder the deeper significance behind the choice of words. The connection between a lyrical verse and a meticulously captured image serves as a reminder that art, in any form, is an interwoven tapestry of emotion and experience.
Directorial Vision
Hansal Mehta’s illustrious career has been marked by films that challenge the status quo and invite audiences to step into a world where truth and artistic expression coexist. His journey—from the raw intensity of early projects to his more recent ventures on digital platforms—demonstrates an evolving dialogue between creative expression and societal narrative. This Instagram post, in its blend of literature and visual art, is reflective of a director who constantly seeks to break boundaries and redefine cinematic language.
Drawing from his well-documented legacy (as can be seen in details from his biography), Mehta has often used cinema to question convention. His earlier works, including films that depict the untold stories of those marginalized by mainstream society, share an affinity with the idea that art is meant to be experienced collectively and viscerally. The poetic lines he shares now echo this sentiment—suggesting that true words and true art exist not merely to fill silence but to spark a conversation and evoke a shared understanding.
Enduring Legacy
For fans and critics alike, Hansal Mehta’s latest post is a testament to his longstanding belief that creative endeavors are as much about personal expression as they are about connecting with a broader audience. The director’s choice to feature a celebrated verse by Jaan Nisar Akhtar is a subtle reminder of the influential role that poetry and literature have played in shaping narratives within the world of cinema. It is an invitation to pause and appreciate the craft behind every line of dialogue and every carefully framed scene.
The Instagram post appears to serve multiple purposes. Not only does it offer a moment of introspection and artistic appreciation, but it also reinforces Mehta’s identity as a storyteller who believes in the marriage of diverse art forms. His acknowledgment of the photographer (@khamkhaphotoartist) further underscores a collaborative spirit—a recognition that behind every striking image or memorable film scene lies the collective effort of dedicated artists.
Mehta’s reflective tone in the post resonates deeply with those who have followed his career. It reminds audiences that behind the polished veneer of celluloid and digital screens lie layers of inspiration drawn from poetry, music, and the timeless narratives of human experience. By merging a classic verse with a modern visual presentation, he inspires his followers to explore the intersections of art in all its forms, whether on the silver screen or in the verses of a timeless poet.
Ultimately, this post is not just a fleeting social media update but a carefully crafted piece of art in its own right—a moment where literature, photography, and film converge. It invites viewers to look beyond the immediate and to embrace the deeper, often unspoken, truths about creativity. Hansal Mehta continues to lead by example, reminding us that the power of storytelling is eternal, transcending mediums and generations.
In a world that increasingly values quick updates and instant gratification, this deliberate act of sharing poetic inspiration serves as a welcome pause—a moment to reflect on the enduring nature of art and its infinite capacity to move the soul.

Read full bio of Preeti Jha