Subhash Ghai

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 4 : Veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai sent his best wishes to 'Ramayana' starring Ranbir Kapoor as the upcoming film goes on floors in Mumbai.The director on Thursday took to his Instagram account and penned a lengthy note, accompanied by a picture displaying the project's name written on it.Congratulating the producer Namit Malhotra, Ghai wrote, "Finally one producer has done it in mumbai (folded hands emoji). My hearty congratulations to dear Namit Malhotra for launching a hindi megha scale motion picture #RAMAYAN "with his honest desire to showcase the epic tale of Hindu mythology of india to the rest of world internationally Wow. (flower emoji)" He further expressed his excitement regarding the project and wrote, "Its gonna to put our nation #BHARAT on the highest pedestal in world' s perspectives.""Congratulations to our talented n blessed director Nitish Tiwari Ranbir Kapoor sunny deol yash n entire team. My best wishes. Surely. (two thumbs up emojis)," Ghai added.Speculation surrounds Sai Pallavi's role as Goddess Sita, with talks suggesting Sunny Deol may be considered for the role of Lord Hanuman.While there's no official confirmation, it has come to the fore that Bobby Deol reportedly approached to play Kumbhkaran.There are also rumors swirling around Vijay Sethupathi's potential portrayal of Raavan's youngest brother, Vibhishan.

Sunny Deol graced the Zee Cine Awards 2024 along with his sons Karan Deol and Rajveer Deol. He looked stunning in his black suit.The trio posed for the camera with a smile.Apart from them, many celebs were spotted on the red carpet including Subhash Ghai, Kriti Sanon, Mouni Roy, Anil Kapoor and many more.The Kriti Sanon looked elegant in a glamorous purple gown.Ace actor Anil Kapoor was also spotted at the event.It is a starry night at Zee Cine Awards 2024. From Shah Rukh Khan to Bobby Deol, stars arrived in style during the event. Actor Shahid Kapoor also graced the occasion and stunned everyone with his look.For the special day, he opted to wear a checked jacket with black trousers that made his entire appearance a perfect blend of style and glamour.Several Bollywood celebs on Sunday attended the Zee Cine Awards 2024 in Mumbai. From Ayushmann Khurrana, Aparshakti Khurana, Pooja Chopra, Shalini Pandey, Sanjana Sanehi, Ankita Lokhande, and Randeep Hooda, to many others were spotted on the red carpet.Pooja Chopra looked glamorous in her shimmery red gown. Ayushmann Khurrana stunned in his silver-coloured coat that he teamed up with black trousers.Aparshakti Khurana looked dapper in his black suit as he walked the red carpet. While on the other hand, Ankita Lokhande opted for an ethnic look and donned a beautiful golden saree. Sanjana Sanehi opted for a polka dot look. Bobby Deol also arrived in style for the event. Adah Sharma chose to wear traditional attire for the special occasion.Harsh Beniwal was also spotted. Simrat Kaur and Neeti Mohan also looked stunning as they arrived on the red carpet.Zee Cine Awards 2024 will witness performances by actors including Alia Bhatt, Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, Ananya Panday, Bobby Deol, Ayushmann Khurrana, Mouni Roy, Utkarsh Sharma, and Simrat Kaur amongst others.Zee Cine Awards 2024 is hosted by Ayushmann Khurrana and Aparshakti Khurana while Sunil Grover will take over for a few fun segments. Shah Rukh Khan is also set to perform at Zee Cine Awards 2024.

Subhash Ghai recalled the difficulties he faced in persuading Simi Garewal to play the role of Kaamini in 'Karz.'He told ANI, "I faced the greatest difficulty in signing Simi because she refused to play this role.He recalled that she said, "Subhash this story is good but I cannot play the role because I would be shown like a vamp.' Then I had to eat at her place for five nights. I had to do PR to convince her; this is what happened. I told her think over it as that role was very good. She said that no, I would choose some other character. She did not have much work at that time but yet she had her convictions."He also shared that he assured Simi Grewal that he would maintain her dignity in the film. "I made her understand that I would maintain your dignity and told her that she should not worry; I had seen this character differently and even you suit this role," he added.Sharing details of how he managed to bring actors on board to play different characters in the 1980 film 'Karz', he said, "When I was writing the script of 'Karz,' Kamini had an important role in it, who also has dignity. As a director-writer, it's a lot of hard work to write a character that has dignity and also has done murder. She is a negative character, but at the same time, she is ambitious. When we have to create a character, we have to do a lot of hard work, which is not seen on the screen. Characters are so distinctive. The characters of Tina Munim and Simi Garewal are different. And 'Karz' is a music replay of the story; you replay the story through music."Talking about the success of the film, Subash said, "I am very surprised that this film was released in 1980, today, even kids know me as 'Karz wale uncle.' Even today, people watch it, enjoy it and I'm surprised the film didn't get very immediate results at the box office at the release time. But people told me that you had made the film 10 years before it should have been made. Even today, the picture is as fresh as it was in 1980."Notably, Karz was released in 1980. The film was directed by Subhash Ghai and produced by Akhtar Romani.The movie stars Rishi Kapoor, Tina MunimSimi Garewal, Pran, and Raj Kiran in key roles.The story revolves around Monty Oberoi (played by Rishi Kapoor), a young musician who starts having recurring nightmares about a past life. As he delves deeper into these nightmares, he discovers that he is the reincarnation of Ravi Verma, a man who was betrayed and murdered in his previous life. Monty seeks to unravel the mystery behind his past life, including the circumstances leading to Ravi Verma's death and the people responsible for it.Simi Garewal played the role of Kamini Verma, the main antagonist in the film.The music of 'Karz' became immensely popular, with the song 'Om Shanti Om' being particularly iconic.The film has been remade and adapted several times, showcasing its enduring popularity over the years.

Subhash Ghai has not only left an enduring imprint with his films but has also played a pivotal role in fostering budding talent.In an interview with ANI, Subhash Ghai shared insights into the creation of Whistling Woods, a globally acclaimed film institute that provided opportunities to aspiring talent.Recalling the period of 80s and 90s when youngsters were eager to try their luck in the film industry, Ghai explained, "When my 10-12 films became super hits continuously, many kids started coming to my office. From every region, Bengal, South, they said, 'Give us a chance because you can exploit and present new talent.'"Pointing to the challenge of accommodating a multitude of aspiring filmmakers, he elaborated why he opted for opening an institute for training young talent,"When a producer has money, either he invests in real estate or opens a studio. Raj Kapoor Sahib, and Guru Dutt, all made a studio. Then, I thought these kids had no connection in the industry where they would go. I recalled what my father told me, 'If you take training, people will respect you'. Then, I thought of opening a film school instead of a film studio. I cancelled my studio plan and took advice from Dilip Kumar and Sunil Dutt. They said it's a good idea to open a school, so I decided to open an institute, but a world-class institute."He continued, "I went abroad and visited 32 film schools from New York to America, Europe, Australia, everywhere, to know the merits and demerits and do my research work. I took the cooperation of industry people like Shyam Benegal, Shabana Azmi, Shekhar Kapur, and all the good ones. I thought of making an academic course."Ghai emphasized the institute's commitment to skill-based education, detailing, "One important thing that I noticed was that this American education or the education of other countries is skill-based education. However, here we have memory-based education..'ratta maar ke paas hona'. At other places it is skill-based, study, explore it and then understand it. Now, it is happening. But I am talking about 2000, at that time it was not there.""So, I said we need to have skill-based education. I planned the entire chart and then the building style, structure, and technology. For 3-4 years, I didn't make films, solely focused on this work," he added.Navigating challenges during the institute's establishment, Ghai expressed, "At that time, I was planning to build a school in Panvel. News came that a minister from the Maharashtra government invited me to build it in film city, stating it, even people from the film industry could come over there. I liked the idea. I told them they would provide the land, and they proposed a partnership in which the government would allow us to use the land.""I told them will make a school, hostel, research centre and production house so that students can get work. There were five divisions of my plan. So they gave us 20 acres. So we planned the whole thing in 20 acres including studios, research centres, hostels, everything. The entire thing was done at the international level. The building was completed."However, legal complications arose, and Ghai revealed, "We spent around 20-25 crore rupees, but someone filed a PIL, claiming the minister didn't handle it properly. Legal issues arose. I also started a school in 2006...the government said we will support you, don't worry, we know this is very good..every government tried to support but when you technically get into legal trouble than the government also stepped back."Highlighting the institute's determination, Ghai shared, " But a good thing happened that when the BJP government came, they said to me, 'Subhash Ji, we'll provide you fresh allotment for your remaining 5 acres 5.5 acres, following government rules.' I agreed, but the institute, though already built, is still stuck."Despite these challenges, Ghai expressed satisfaction, stating, "I am running it well despite many liabilities and immense pressure on me. However, I am happy that out of the 3000 students from our institute, all 3000 are currently employed in 300 different companies, and they are well-placed today."Ghai is a well-known director, producer and actor. His most notable works include 'Kalicharan', 'Vishwanath', 'Karz',' Hero',' Vidhaata',' Meri Jung', 'Khal Nayak', 'Pardes', 'Taal', among others.He started his career in Hindi cinema as an actor with small roles in films including 'Taqdeer' and 'Aradhana'.

Subhash Ghai talked about introducing Jackie Shroff in the lead role in his 1983 film 'Hero' and what prompted him to choose a new face over working with established names."In my life, ever since I started writing plays, screenplays, and directing, I have understood that the power of writers and directors is much more than that of actors. I realise this fact so the beginning doesn't matter and especially stars who have tantrums or egos, I don't prefer to work with them," Ghai said in an exclusive interview with ANI. 'Hero', is a romantic action film, which was released in 1983. It starred Jackie Shroff and Meenakshi Sheshadri and marked Jackie's debut in a lead role role.Ghai recalled making of 'Hero' and introducing new face for his film in the lead role, "After 'Vidhaata' and 'Karz', I thought to make a film with new faces. I wrote a story for 'Hero' and started searching for a new boy and a girl."He continued to share how he met Jackie and said, "Jackie was introduced to me by my friend, Ashok Khanna. He brought him to my house. He told me, he is a model, meet him. My first question was, if you know how to dance, he said 'no', if you know singing and his reply was 'no', and if you know acting and his answer was 'no'. I just loved him. I liked his honesty."Ghai liked the intensity on Shroff's face, "Another thing that I saw in his face was intensity. I saw pain in his eyes that was reflection of his struggles in life. I wanted that face. I took a small video camera and gave him a dialogue. I asked him to learn the dialogue and say it at home only. But he said, I won't be able to say this dialogue."Later, he reminisced about persuading Shroff to be part of his film, "I said, don't say this dialogue, let's chat. I started talking to him and asked, Where do you live..what your father, mother and brother do? He told me his story that how his brother was drowned in the sea while saving someone. He became serious. There were tears in his eyes. I recorded everything and at night showed the 20 minute recording to my writers, they all loved him."Finally, Ghai signed him for the film, as he shared, "I called him next day and told him, 'This is the story and you are my hero'. He was shocked and said I don't know how to act. But I said, I know you can do it."However, Dev Anand has already cast him for a small role in his film and Jackie was hesitant to accept his offer. Ghai shared, "He told me that I am playing a goon in Dev Anand sahab's film. Have done shooting for two scenes and you are making me a hero. I liked his honesty and said, 'don't worry will speak to Dev sahab to cut the scene and if he is not ready, still it doesn't matter and you are my hero'."While praising Jackie, he added, "So, this was my confidence in him because he was an honest person. There was no pretension. He is innocent."Ghai is a well-known director, producer and actor. His most notable works include 'Kalicharan', 'Vishwanath', 'Karz',' Hero',' Vidhaata',' Meri Jung', 'Khal Nayak', 'Pardes', 'Taal', among others.

Subhash Ghai, the visionary behind cinematic classics such as 'Karma,' 'Ram Lakhan,' and 'Saudagar,' has significantly impacted the Indian filmindustry through innovative initiatives that reshaped its landscape.Beyond launching fresh talent, Ghai has earned recognition for his contributions, including the introduction of insurance policies and the promotion of cheque-based payment systems.In an interview with ANI, Ghai delved into the transformative phase of his career, remarking, "When 'Karma,' 'Ram Lakhan,' and 'Saudagar' became hits, I transitioned into a regular filmmaker. Understanding the commerce, technology, and art aspects became crucial."Highlighting the industry's challenges, Ghai recalled, "I used to see that producers suffered losses. Actors falling ill, sets collapsing, rain disrupting shoots, causing films to halt production. Banks were hesitant to finance because the industry wasn't recognized.""So I persuaded the Delhi government that you should recognize this industry as an industry. And that time in 1997-98, then the BJP government recognized this industry so that they could get finance from the bank. Because the bankers were very shy as the industry was dealing with cash at that time. It was a necessary evil kind of thing," he added.Discussing his role in changing payment methods, Ghai stressed, "I initiated a trend, told established actors that if they want cash, they're not part of my film. This news reached the big stars. 'Subhash ji has told big stars to take whatever they want through cheque', and a new trend started. Initially, 50 per cent, 30 per cent, 10 per cent, and gradually, everything. So, the trend started from here."Ghai provided deeper insights into the industry's vulnerability and the need for insurance policies, stating, "I convinced banks, underwent due diligence for ten years, and they were surprised by our impeccable accounts, time management, budget discipline, and financial practices."Explaining the impact of these changes, he said, "They(bank) provided banking facilities on our name and introduced insurance policies called Mukta Cine(Cine Mukta) policy. It's not just about Mukta policy; it signifies a positive change in the industry."Reflecting on the transformational journey, Ghai remarked, "In 2000, Mukta Arts became the first company to declare itself a corporate entity on the stock exchange because I wanted to build a school. I needed funds for the school. So I promised that I would create a pool of talent in this industry. For the betterment of the industry."Ghai is a well-known director, producer and actor. His most notable works include 'Kalicharan', 'Vishwanath', 'Karz',' Hero',' Vidhaata',' Meri Jung', 'Khal Nayak', 'Pardes', 'Taal', among others.He started his career in Hindi cinema as an actor with small roles in films including 'Taqdeer' and 'Aradhana'.

Dilip Kumar and Raaj Kumar in the 1991 film 'Saudagar'.In an exclusive interview with ANI, Ghai recalled how he approached the duo who were then in their 60s and couldn't stand each other at that time to play lead roles and how he ended up working with the legends who gradually lost their animosity.Ghai said he first wrote the story before deciding on the actors. "When first wrote the story I thought that it should be made wither with Amrish Puri and Anupam Kher or it with Dilip Kumar or Raaj Kumar... my choice was that it should be with Dilip Kumar and Raaj Kumar only because I wanted a film to be a high quality one. So I met them and narrated them the story," the filmmaker told ANI."I told them (Dilip Kumar and Raaj Kumar) that as a director I can only guarantee that the roles of both the actors will be equal. It won't be 59-40 but 50-50...You trust and we will make it... but I hear that you are not talking to each other... I hear that you don't like each other... I hear that picture will not be made... many people ask me not to make this film with these people...so I have still come to you... they liked me honestly. They never troubled me," Ghai recalled.Ghai pointed out that he used his trademark technique of handling "star actors like children," and to "become a mother" to them and it always was effective in smoothing ruffled egos. The 'Showman' filmmaker revealed that he nicknamed Dilip Kumar and Raaj Kumar "Chunnu and Munnu" and even the spot boys took to callingg them by those names."You have to be like mothers to the actors. When you become mother to stars then they like it, don't be bossy. Then ultimately on the film's sets we named both of them 'Chunnu' (Dilip Kumar) and 'Munnu' (Raaj Kumar). Even our spot boys used to say 'Chunnu sahab aa gye...Munnu sahab aane waale hain'. Because you create a family atmosphere over there with the utmost honesty," Ghai said."Later on they got to know that we call them Chunnu-Munnu and eventually they also became friends," Ghai told ANI.The filmmaker approached Dilip Kumar first and told him about the film and his co-star and then went to Raaj Kumar with the news.Ghai recalled that when Raaj Kumar was told about acting with Dilip Kumar he paused for four few seconds and said "Bhai, aisa hai ki mein apne baad kissi ko actor maante hain to vo Dilip Kumar saab ko maaanta hoon (Brother, if I consider someone an actor after myself, it is Dilip Kumar)." "That is how Raaj Kumar was, his attitude, style and thinking. But he was a very good man inside, he used to respect honest people," recalls the veteran fillmaker.'Saudagar' also starred Vivek Mushran, Manisha Koirala, Jackie Shroff and Amirsh Puri in pivotal roles.Ghai's notable works include 'Kalicharan', 'Vishwanath', 'Karz', 'Hero', 'Vidhaata', 'Karma', 'Ram Lakhan', 'Khalnayak', 'Pardes', and 'Taal'.

"When news broke out in the market that I am making 'Khal Nayak' many heroes approached me as they wanted to be a part of the film. Anil Kapoor came and expressed his interest in doing the film. He even got ready to be bald but I (was looking for something else). Sanjay Dutt was the right fit," he said.On being asked why he particularly chose Sanjay over anybody else, Ghai elaborated, "Sanjay Dutt has a typical face...He can be dangerous, he can be innocent. If you look at his face, there is an innocence to it but at the same time, if he becomes angry, he is truly dangerous. He operates in two shades and that is why he was the best choice for Khal Nayak. I told him to just follow me, so he said you just act, I'll follow you and he did exactly that. Every scene in Khal Nayak, he copied them as I wrote them in great detail. I was also a performer so that helped as well."'Khal Nayak' was released in 1993. The film revolves around a ruthless gangster (Sanjay) Dutt who falls in love with an undercover cop (Madhuri Dixit). Jackie Shroff also played a crucial role in the film. Subhash Ghai also shared his plans on making a sequel to Khalnayak in 2020 but there has been no update on that front yet.

Raaj Kumar was among the best actors the Indian cinema ever witnessed and was known for his unique dialogue delivery. He appeared in several hit films like 'Tiranga', 'Pakeeza', 'Hamraaz', 'Kaajal', and 'Heer Ranjha' among others.He had year-long differences with another yesteryear superstar Dilip Kumar. Both the legends came together for Subhash Ghai's blockbuster film 'Saudagar' after almost 30 years of drift.However, getting the two legends for a film hadn't been an easy task for Ghai.In an exclusive chat with ANI, Ghai recalled working with the legends in 'Saudagar' and what was their (Dilip Kumar and Raaj Kumar) first reaction when they got to know about sharing screen space after such a long time."Dilip Kumar agreed to the film first, because I had worked with him in 'Karma' and 'Vidhata'. So he knew my capacity (as a filmmaker). But he asked me who would play the second lead in the film. I told him I was considering casting Raaj Kumar for the role. Then I closed his car door and let him leave because he used to love me so much, he had faith in me. We had great mutual respect for each other," Ghai said."Then I went to Raaj Kumar and narrated the story. He also asked me who would play the second role? I told him Dilip Kumar will be essaying the role. He took a pause for 4 seconds and said, 'Main apne baad kisi ko actor manta hun to Dilip Kumar ko hi manta hun' (If there's anyone I consider an actor apart from myself, it is Dilip Kumar). That is how Raaj Kumar was," Ghai told ANI.Dilip Kumar and Raaj Kumar also starred in the 1959 film 'Paigham'.'Saudagar' also featured debutants Vivek Mushran, Manisha Koirala, apart from Jackie Shroff and Amirsh Puri in pivotal roles.Ghai's notable works include 'Kalicharan', 'Vishwanath', 'Karz', 'Hero', 'Vidhaata', 'Karma', 'Ram Lakhan', 'Khalnayak', 'Pardes', and 'Taal'.

Subhash Ghai's most successful projects, it encountered criticism during its release.'Khal Nayak' starring Sanjay Dutt and Madhuri Dixit Nene found itself in a pool of controversy especially due to the former's arrest under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention Act) and the Arms Act months before the film's theatrical premiere in 1993. While he was released on bail a month later, his bail was cancelled in 1994 and he was arrested again. He was let out of jail in October 1995.Notably, Sanjay Dutt played a wanted criminal in the film that left many to draw parallels between the real and the reel.The film also sparked controversy due to its popular 'Choli Ke Peeche' song. The track faced the wrath of a section of society over its allegedly "vulgar" lyrics. In an exclusive interview with ANI, Ghai recalled the release of 'Khal Nayak' amid several setbacks." (Sanjay's arrest) did not majorly impact the making of the film but yes there was a lot of noise in the media. I felt bad that he went to the jail. We had already finished the shooting part of the film when he got arrested...only the last court scene was in the making when all that happened," Ghai said."The main hardship we faced due to 'Choli Ke Peeche' song. People labelled it 'vulgar' ...protests happened. Around 32 political units came and protested against me. They demanded a ban...many even claimed that I was promoting a terrorist," he added.Despite being surrounded by controversies, Ghai managed to stay strong and let his work speak for himself. Sharing how he dealt with furore over 'Khal Nayak', he said, "I told the protestors to first watch the film and then decide. 'If after watching you feel that there's something wrong in it then please do remove my film,' I told them. I made the film with my honest intentions. This film talks about how...he becomes a nayak from a khalnayak. The story was about transformation of a villain, but you know that when there is 'josh', it stays for a long time within our country and by the time it goes, your life ends up being ruined."'Khal Nayak' also starred Jackie Shroff. The film completed 30 years last year.