Veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai has advised young directors to steer clear of imitating Western cinema and instead focus on storytelling that reflects India’s rich cultural landscape. Speaking at a masterclass during the Red Lorry Film Festival, the acclaimed director emphasized the importance of authenticity in filmmaking.
“Connect to your own culture and make films about what you’ve grown up watching—the people, the world around you. That’s the only way you’ll be able to emote it in the right way,” Ghai said while marking the 45th anniversary of his iconic film Karz.
According to Ghai, Tamil and Telugu films have resonated deeply with audiences because they remain true to their roots. He urged emerging filmmakers to focus on Indian narratives rather than getting carried away by Western influences and technology. “My advice to today’s kids is to make stories that are rooted in our society. Don’t ape or come under the influence of technology. Don’t try to be Western or urban. They comprise only 20% of the population,” he stated.
Released in 1980, Karz remains a cult classic, known for its gripping reincarnation storyline and hit songs like Dard-E-Dil and Om Shanti Om. The film starred Rishi Kapoor, Simi Garewal, Tina Munim, Pran, and Raj Kiran.
Reflecting on Kapoor’s role, Ghai recalled the late actor’s initial skepticism about the film’s reincarnation theme. “I could not imagine any other hero than Rishi Kapoor for the film. When I told him the story, he asked me if I was sure about making a reincarnation film with two actors playing the same role. I told him I wanted to experiment. He liked the idea,” Ghai shared.
Kapoor also questioned Ghai’s musical instincts, but later admitted he had been wrong. “When he saw Dard-E-Dil, he was very happy. He called me to apologize. Later, he had complete confidence in the film. He was child-like till the very end. He never cared for money, only for his performance. He was the star of the Kapoor family, but above all, he was a great human being,” Ghai reminisced.
The event was attended by Kapoor’s wife, Neetu Kapoor, along with Simi Garewal, Tina Munim, and other key members of the film’s cast and crew. Neetu, who married Kapoor in 1980, revealed that their love story unfolded during the making of Karz. “I started dating him when his film was being made, and by the time it was released, we were married. We tied the knot in January, and the film came out in June,” she said.
Garewal expressed her gratitude to Ghai for casting her in the film and fondly remembered Kapoor. “I never thought we would be celebrating Karz 45 years later. It was an incredible experience. Chintu (Kapoor) was my old pal, and my love, Tina, was so adorable. We became friends. Neetu is an amazing woman. I admire how she has handled her life, her husband, children, and grandchild,” she said.
Ghai recalled how Garewal was initially hesitant to take on her role in Karz. “She had a tough role and was apprehensive. I remember she asked me, ‘Subhash ji, will I become a vamp?’ I assured her that she is a great actor,” he shared.
Tina Munim also expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the film. “Time flies in the blink of an eye. I’m grateful to have been part of this iconic film, working with a talented director and wonderful co-stars. I miss the charming Chintu. It was an experience of a lifetime,” she said.
The masterclass was a highlight of the second edition of the Red Lorry Film Festival, organized by BookMyShow.