A poet and filmmaker on embracing the journey called life

With a head of white hair, a wrinkled face framed by spectacles, and a white beard that lends him an air of wisdom, Ashok Sawhny, affectionately known by his pen name, ‘Sahil’, welcomes visitors with warmth and grace. Now in his eighties, Sawhny is not just a poet but also a film producer whose work resonates deeply with themes of love, life, and the human experience.

Born in Lahore, Pakistan, in 1937, Sawhny spent his formative years in the vibrant city before the tumultuous events of Partition reshaped his life.

“The first eleven years of my life were spent in Lahore, where my father was a criminal lawyer,” he recalls.

At the tender age of 11, Sawhny’s world shifted dramatically. Following the Partition in 1947, he and his family relocated to Delhi, leaving behind the comforts of their home.

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“Initially, we lived in a small house in Anand Parbat. In Lahore, we had cars, but here I had just a bicycle then,” he reflects with a hint of nostalgia.

Despite the upheaval, Sawhny adapted to his new life in Delhi. His maternal aunt welcomed them into her home on Akbar Road, and he fondly remembers cycling to school, relishing those carefree moments.

“We enjoyed our school days in Delhi, often escaping to watch movies,” he shares. The Moti Mahal restaurant in Daryaganj became a cherished spot, famous for its tandoori dishes, where he and his friends would gather to enjoy good food and share stories.

Sawhny attended Modern School in New Delhi, followed by St. Stephen’s College.

His journey in film began with his daughter, Geeta Singh, a renowned Bollywood film editor, and his son-in-law, Avinash Singh.

“When Avinash proposed a film titled Listen Amaya (2013) featuring Deepti Naval, the late Farooq Shaikh, and Swara Bhaskar, I was captivated by the idea and took on the role of producer,” he said.

His poetry also found a place in film director Dhiraj Mishra’s Lafzon Mein Pyaar, produced by him and filmed in the picturesque Bhaderwah of Jammu and Kashmir, showcasing local talent and rich narratives.

Reflecting on his entry into poetry, Sawhny credits his daughter, Mira. “About seventeen years ago, she decided to move out to her own home, and that decision broke us. That night, seeing my wife cry, I felt compelled to write. I penned the lines, ‘Kahan Gaye Woh Log Jinhe Humne Pala Tha,’ and that was the spark for my poetry,” he reveals.

“Poetry gave me a new lease of life,” he continues, emphasising that “there is a poet inside everyone; they just need that kick-start, that inspiration to write.”

At 87, he attributes his vitality to a higher power. “It is God only that has kept me going and writing,” he states simply.

Sawhny’s approach to filmmaking is equally passionate. He asserts, “I produce my own content with 100% dedication,” stressing the importance of authenticity in both poetry and film.

He encourages aspiring filmmakers to focus on small-budget projects with impactful storytelling. “I don’t understand why many Bollywood films face losses yet continue to thrive,” he muses.

As for his creative process, Sawhny does not confine himself to a strict schedule. “I don’t write at any particular time. I write randomly about life, God, love, and other subjects that move me.”

He is the founder and President of Monarch International (established in 1978), an international trading company with offices in several countries.

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This free-spirited approach allows him to explore the depths of human experience through both his poetry and films.

In a world that often rushes past, Sawhny ‘Sahil’ stands as a testament to the power of creativity and resilience.

Through his words and films, he reminds us to embrace life’s journey with an open heart and a curious mind.