‘I have a strong belief in Indian culture’

Subash Ghai is known for multi-starrer entertainers such as Karz (1980), Khalnayak (1993) and Pardes (1997). His film Karz was remade a few years ago, and reportedly, his classic directorial, Ram Lakhan (1989), is going to be remade with the current generation of actors.

Talking about the remake, Ghai says, “Karan Johar is making it in his style [of filmmaking]. I don’t believe in any kind of interference once I have handed over the rights [of the film]. How they would like to make the film is their prerogative.”

Who does he think would be suitable to be cast in the film from the current crop of younger actors? “I really like Ranbir Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt, and Sidharth Malhotra. I like their work and stay in touch with them. I would like to collaborate with them in the future,” says the director.

Ghai’s films typically feature multiple A-listers, elaborate song-and-dance routines and dramatic stories. When asked if he would retain his style while working with newer actors, he says. “I made Kalicharan in the 1970s and Hero in the 1980s; they were very different from each other. I also made Taal in the 1990s, and it was different from the previous films. I would like to make films on different subjects. In fact, none of my movies have ever been a copy whether they may have worked or not.”

He also stresses the importance of Indian culture in movies. “I have a strong belief in Indian culture and Indian films. I am very Indian in my movies, writing, thinking, and in my speech —I love our Indian roots. We have so much to offer in terms of music and stories rather than borrowing from the West.”

Among recent releases, the director says he liked the Baahubali series and the way it was made. “It’s an Indian story and is rooted and steeped in India’s traditions. It is an old formula, but made with the help of modern technology. The film has done great business at the box office as well,” says Ghai.