Subhash Ghai urges filmmakers to embrace Indian culture

Veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai recently addressed young directors in Mumbai. He advised them not to imitate Western films. Instead, he urged them to create stories that reflect their own culture. Ghai believes this approach could help reinvigorate the Hindi film industry. He pointed out that Tamil and Telugu films are successful because they are closely connected to their roots. "Make stories that are rooted in our society," he stated, emphasizing the importance of authenticity over technology and Western influences. The comments were made during a masterclass celebrating the 45th anniversary of Ghai’s film "Karz." Released in 1980, "Karz" is famous for its engaging plot and popular music. The film features Rishi Kapoor as Monty, who discovers the truth about his past life and murder. Ghai shared that Kapoor initially questioned the reincarnation theme. However, after seeing a song from the film, he became excited about it. Ghai praised Kapoor’s talent and character, recalling him as a humble person who prioritized his performance over money. Neetu Kapoor, Rishi's wife, attended the event and shared memories about dating him during the film’s production. Other cast members, like Simi Garewal and Tina Munim, also spoke fondly of their experiences on "Karz." The masterclass was part of the Red Lorry Film Festival, organized by BookMyShow. Ghai’s reflections and the heartfelt tributes from his former cast highlighted the lasting impact of "Karz" in Indian cinema.