Subhash Ghai, the maestro behind some of Bollywood’s most memorable dramas, has weighed in on the seismic shifts reshaping filmmaking. In a revealing chat, he connected his dual worlds of cinema and education while critiquing trends like song remakes and action flicks’ box-office stranglehold.
With unparalleled experience—50 years crafting films and 25 educating the next generation—Ghai shared his origin story. Starting as an FTII acting student 55 years ago, he absorbed world cinema before evolving into a hit-making director-producer. He delivered 14-15 successes from 18-19 projects, then pioneered business moves like IPOs, distribution, theaters, and launching Whistling Woods.
The school’s mission? Guide lost aspirants. ‘Mumbai overwhelms newcomers without maps to studios or talent showcases,’ Ghai noted. ‘We equip them with 2-3 years of hands-on practice and networks for seamless industry debuts.’
On recreations of old hits, Ghai celebrates evolution: every era spawns icons, from Phalke to Guru Dutt, ensuring cinema reflects changing times. Digital disruption via OTT expands narratives beyond 80s-90s styles.
Action’s dominance? A natural cycle, akin to past waves—family tales, Bachchan action, love stories. ‘Boredom drives change every few decades,’ he asserted. Ghai’s forward-looking views position him as a sage voice, reminding filmmakers that adaptation is key to cinema’s enduring magic.