Subhash Ghai reveals why he stepped away from filmmaking
What's the story
Veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai, known for his iconic work in Bollywood in the 80s and 90s, has opened up regarding the declining passion for cinema in the Hindi film industry. He expressed his waning enthusiasm over how filmmaking has become just another job for most people, rather than an artistic pursuit. Drawing from his experiences, Ghai also revealed why he stopped making films.
Disappointment
Ghai's disillusionment with the film-making process
In a conversation on the YouTube channel Game Changers, Ghai opened up about his disillusionment with the state of filmmaking today. He said, "I stopped making films because I don't see the love for cinema anymore—not in people, not even in my own team. They are all just working." The Pardes director also shared an incident that made him wonder how people now consider filmmaking as a mere transaction.
Transactional nature
Ghai's encounter with a writer highlights the industry's shift
Recalling how he once approached a writer for a script, Ghai emphasized the film industry has become more transactional these days. He said, "I gave an idea to a writer and asked him to develop a story. He told me he would finish it in 15 days, and even demanded his full fee upfront. I asked him, 'Tu rotiyan paka raha hai? (Are you making chapatis?)'"
Critique
Ghai critiques the current approach to scriptwriting
Further, Ghai went on to criticize the current approach to filmmaking. Although talent is being purchased, true creative collaboration is fading, he said. "They say, 'You send me an email, that is enough.' Whatsapp mein toh script aur dialogue likhe hai aaj kal (People write scripts and dialogues on Whatsapp these days)," he said.
Brand mentality
Ghai comments on actors' brand mentality
In the same conversation, Ghai also remarked how today's actors have begun seeing themselves as brands, putting money above the art of acting. He attributed this mindset to the Hindi film industry's failure to produce genuine superstars in the past decade. Ghai said, "That's why the 80s actors are still superstars like Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar, Aamir Khan, and others." Ghai's last feature directorial was Kaanchi: The Unbreakable, released in 2014.