To a question regarding the transformation in the ‘content industry’, he admitted that art of narration has undergone a sea change. Yet, what remains intact is the art. The films are meant to tell a story. It’s all up to individual film-maker how he weaves the story, the way he presents it, and what influence does one expects on the viewers. “Yes, technology has made inroads into film-making, but one cannot just remain crticising it. Instead, it will be advisable to integrate and leverage it to make optimum use for achieving success,” he observed. Commenting on changes in film-making, the ‘Showman’ was of view that now that ‘Laxmi’ (money) had emerged as dominant factor, ‘Saraswati’ (talent) was going to take a backseat. Now, he explained, investors are in driver’s seat. The role of Director is no longer that of Captain of the ship. With the entry of corporates into film-making, investors now want early returns. Therefore, he lamented, independence of artists has taken a backseat. The lament was palpable not only in his words but in the uneasy movement of hands too. With executives calling the shot, he continued, the art is getting shrunk as artists are reduced to minor role and money is getting dominant. “Even some new film-makers find it difficult to put up with the demanding nature of investors as the pressure is to deliver hit, by hook or crook,” said Ghai while reflecting upon the current scenario in the ‘industry’.

 

The film-maker who has a keen sense of good music and lyrics, soon finds positive note. He was happy that some independent film-makers did try to keep alive the tradition of storytelling in its purest form. For, he believed, films still have dominant role in shaping the society. Citing the example of the film ‘Taare Zameen Par’, which greatly influenced the society, Ghai said that it paved way for refraining parents from imposing their will on children and also for providing independence to children in thinking and making choices. As the conversation draws to a close, Subhash Ghai attempts to visualise the future. “As nation evolves, greater wisdom dawns on the society. With wisdom comes intelligence, which will certainly make way for better cinema in future. The medium of storytelling might change, but it will not end. Cinema is going to stay and prosper,” he concluded on an assertively optimistic note. Like his superhit movies and signature tunes, the conversation with Subhash Ghai also grows on in one’s consciousness. And, the line echoes, “Cinema is going to stay and prosper...” Ashish Kulkarni, animation guru of international repute; and Col Anil Sharma, Joint Director (Administration), NCI, Jamtha, also were present during the interaction with Ghai.