What P. Mansaram makes does not bomb at the box office. They are not arty films either. They are a sort of abstract creations with symbols and nowhere stories. They are modern in concept.
Mansaram has always been fascinated with moving imagery. When he was 7 or 8, he used to sleep with his father outdoors and sneak out to Garrison Cinema during the second show.
He studied art at the JJ School of Arts and one day he heard J. Krishnamurthy lecturing under a tree in the JJ compound. “That brought a turn in my life. And then State Academic of Fine Arts in Amsterdam, I met Constant, founder member of Cobra Group and Sandbery, Director of Museum of Modern Art.
He used to go to Paris quite often where he met Akbar Padamsee, Raza and Krishna Reddy. He took notes on Viscosity printing at Hyter's Atelier.
When in Calcutta in 1960, Mansaram went to see Satyajit Ray who had made the switch from art director to film maker.
He went to Amsterdam again and from there to Canada where he is now staying.
He started making short experimental films. Funnel Theatre was one such facility. Later, he joined Charles Street Videi. “I found Ed Video in Galeph better for my temperament and needs. Now a life member, he is still working there.
His first film 'Intersect' was shown at the Isaacs Gallery in Toronto. 'Rear View Mirror' was shown at the Cine City Theatre in Toronto. My film in 16 mm 'Devi Stuffed Goat' was shown at India House in New York.
“My life started with a push from Bollywood. When I got married to Tarunika, it was Prakash Chhabra of India Films, a young director from Punjab came to my rescue. He and his unit gave all the help and blessing”.
Mansaram's films were shown at the JJ School of Art along with display of painting and sculpture. Mansaram is planning to show the films at an other gallery.
Five films by Mansaram were screened at the JJ School of Art. River View Mirror, Devi Stuffed Goat and Pink Cloth, Intersect, Tea Drinking Man and Mcluhan Piazzo.