#NewsBytesExplainer: Why is Twitter talking about Aditya Chopra
What's the story
To say that Twitter has been clutched in absolute shock ever since Netflix's The Romantics premiered on Tuesday (Valentine's Day, no less) wouldn't be an overstatement. Awe and appreciation, yes, but also disbelief! Why would a documentary based on Yash Raj Films's legacy shock viewers? Because it marks the rare appearance of Aditya Chopra on camera! Why is this discussion worthy? Here's why.
Secrecy
Chopra has (in)famously maintained unbelievable distance from the media
Despite living in this age and leading perhaps India's biggest production house, Chopra has successfully maintained an unbelievable amount of distance from the media. At a time when paparazzi are infamously parked outside the Mumbai airport 24*7, this is a jaw-dropping feat. Film critic Anupama Chopra once compared his secrecy to Hollywood icon Greta Garbo, who was known for her reclusive and reserved nature.
Chatter in Bollywood
Rani Mukerji once offered an explanation on Chopra's behalf
Chopra's choice to shun fame has triggered several conversations; some funny, some inquisitive, and some, even snarky. Abhishek Bachchan, Chopra's close friend, once jokingly said, "Aditya Chopra doesn't exist. He is a rumor. He is the alter ego of [his younger brother] Uday Chopra." Chopra's wife and YRF regular Rani Mukerji also said, "He likes to stay connected with the audience without being noticed."
Explanation
Chopra touched upon his decision to shield himself from media
The recently released four-episode series, which provided a rare glimpse of Chopra, was also an opportunity for Chopra to shed some light on his choice to stay miles away from the glitter of showbiz. Like Mukerji, he, too mentioned that it's critical for him to sit in theaters and gauge the audience's reactions, which wouldn't be possible if he were a known face.
Other key takeaways
Lover of all things Bollywood? The documentary is for you
The well-crafted documentary is a love letter to the Hindi film industry's "House of Love" Yash Raj Films, its founder Yash Chopra and the family's scion Chopra. From addressing how globalization and audiences' change in purchasing power led to a shift in films to how Chopra thought SRK is more suited for romance than action, the documentary is a gift that keeps on giving.
Twitter Post
Here is an unseen SRK-Chopra picture from 'The Romantics'
Unseen Pic : #ShahRukhKhan With #AdityaChopra pic.twitter.com/L5MGhrTNyt
— KR (@iamkr20) February 14, 2023
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