Subhash Ghai Defends Hindi Cinema Against Hollywood Comparisons

Veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai has publicly criticized the notion that Bollywood is merely a copy of Hollywood, arguing that such comparisons undermine the rich legacy of Hindi cinema. Ghai’s comments came in a recent Instagram post, where he highlighted the contributions of iconic figures such as Dadasaheb Phalke, Guru Dutt, Mehboob Khan, and Shantaram.

In his post on November 16, 2023, Ghai expressed his discontent with the label of Bollywood being a “copyist of Hollywood,” asserting that it is an affront to the artistry and cultural significance of Indian cinema. He emphasized the need to honor the diverse storytelling traditions across all Indian languages, stating, “An Indian cinema must be respected in its each language depicting their own art and culture.”

Ghai’s remarks were inspired by his experience at the Jagran Film Festival, where he was pleased to see regional film industries recognized alongside Bollywood. He shared a photograph of himself at the event, noting the festival’s acknowledgment of both the Punjab and Assam film industries.

The filmmaker urged his followers to discuss these issues extensively, aiming to elevate the dignity of Indian cinema on various platforms. He wrote, “It is surely a big insult in disguise to every talent of regional film industry.”

Subhash Ghai is widely regarded as one of the preeminent Hindi filmmakers, particularly known for his work during the 1980s and 1990s. His filmography includes several classics such as “Kalicharan”, “Vishwanath”, “Karz”, and “Khalnayak”. Ghai’s career began with acting roles in films like “Taqdeer” and “Aradhana”, eventually leading to his directorial debut with the action thriller “Kalicharan.”

Earlier this year, Ghai announced his return to filmmaking after a brief hiatus, revealing that Riteish Deshmukh would star in his upcoming project under the banner of Mukta Arts. He teased the announcement with a playful post on social media, inviting fans to guess the name of the new film’s heroine, promising an exciting continuation of his cinematic legacy.

As discussions about the identity and perception of Indian cinema continue, Ghai’s statements resonate with many within the industry, reinforcing the importance of recognizing and celebrating the unique attributes of Hindi and regional films.