Filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra celebrated his 73rd birthday today. In a revealing interview from 2003, he opened up about his thoughts on Hindi cinema and his journey as a filmmaker.
Chopra describes himself as an outsider in Bollywood. He expressed disappointment with the quality of Hindi films in recent years, saying, “If I think about Indian cinema that makes me proud, I reflect on the works of Guru Dutt, V. Shantaram, and Bimal Roy from the past. Currently, there’s not much to celebrate in our films.” He commented that none of the recent crossover or multiplex movies interest him and hopes that newer filmmakers will produce films he would enjoy.
When asked about specific films, he mentioned “Lagaan” as the only recent film he appreciated, while he held reservations about “Devdas,” despite its connection to a close friend. He suggested that classic filmmakers produced remarkable work even within the same year.
As for his aspirations, Chopra emphasized that his goal is to create great cinema, whether in India or abroad. He expressed pride in his film “Munnabhai MBBS” and shared his wish to make a unique movie about two people playing chess, one being deceased, which he feels wouldn’t fit the Indian market. He recalled an interesting moment when viewers mistook a fadeout technique in “Parinda” for a projection error, showcasing his commitment to creative storytelling.
Reflecting on his early achievements, Chopra shared his feelings towards awards. “Awards mean little to me; I don’t keep them at home,” he mentioned, although he admitted that the Golden Peacock award for “Parinda” was special because his father witnessed the honor. He fondly recalled the moment he won the Filmfare Award for Best Director, surprised that he beat out renowned filmmakers like Yash Chopra.
On the subject of money, Chopra, a student of economics, asserted that its value lies in its productive use. He aims to fund films that align with his vision, insisting he never compromises on his work. He acknowledged the need to adapt certain roles for actors whose star status evolves, ensuring their image is respected.
When discussing his character, Chopra recounted a touching moment from a talk show when a man credited him with saving his life after an accident. This experience reinforced his self-view, although he lamented that compassion should be a natural human instinct rather than a point of pride.
Chopra’s insights reflect his deep connection to his craft and his desire to shape Indian cinema in a meaningful way.
