Legendary director Subhash Ghai, architect of Bollywood blockbusters, opened up about the transformations sweeping the film industry. Famous for infusing messages of social relevance into glitzy narratives, Ghai linked his passion for cinema with teaching in a candid interview.
Boasting 50 years in filmmaking and 25 in education, Ghai traced his path from FTII Pune student in the late 1960s—where he studied acting and global films—to a multifaceted career as actor, writer, director, producer, distributor, exhibitor, and founder of Whistling Woods.
Out of 18-19 films directed, most were successes, fueling his expansion into business ventures. The film school was born from observing newcomers’ struggles in Mumbai. ‘They arrive clueless about industry navigation,’ he said. ‘Our program offers practical training, expert mentorship, and direct industry entry after 2-3 years.’
Ghai views remake culture positively, citing generational renewals from Beethoven to Vishal Bhardwaj, K.L. Saigal to Manoj Kumar. Every 30 years, fresh voices redefine cinema. ‘It’s society’s mirror—evolving with societal shifts, now amplified by digital platforms like OTT and web series offering endless storytelling avenues.’
Action movies’ surge fits historical patterns: social films in 60s, Bachchan-era action in 70s, romances in 90s. ‘Trends shift every 20-30 years as viewers seek change,’ Ghai explained. His insights highlight cinema’s dynamic nature, blending tradition with innovation for sustained relevance.