Interviews

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You have been known as a great dreamer with the ability to give shape to and fulfill your dreams. Tell me, did you ever dream that you would be THE DR. CHOPRA when you started your career?

Frankly, no. I was a dreamer even in those early days I had some dreams but I could never imagine that my dreams would lead me to where I am today.

Then how did your story take shape? What made you the success story you are today, the man someone called the pride of India?

It is all the will and the blessings of God. I would be nowhere and be nothing. Next to God I feel it is my passion and my dedication, my honesty and sincerity to my work that has led me step by step. And, thank God nothing has changed in my attitude and approach to my work.

Will you recommend your attitude and approach to the younger filmmakers of today?

Who am I to recommend my ways or advice anyone to do whatever I have done? They have their own world, their own ideas and their own ways of working and getting work done. I can only talk about myself.

Everyone would like to know the secret of your success.

There is no secret at all. My life and my work are like open books. I only know that I have worked very hard on every little thing that I have done. I have let no temptation come in my way. I am doing whatever I am guided by own conscience which is guided by God and nothing can come between me and my God.

How do you feel after meeting with every success?

I become very alert and more conscious. I believe that my success is a single for me to work harder. My responsibility only grows with every success. I am not saying this for effect but I have never sat back and reveled in my success. Yes, success has given me a lot of satisfaction and happiness but I have never let success go to my head. I am aware of God watching every step I take. I know His power and that is enough to keep me going and reaching out towards new progress as long as He allows me to.

What do you think of these awards which adorn your showcase?

I feel very happy, naturally. I am a human being and I react to recognition like any other human being but the awards are also a source of inspiration which help me to work better, in coming up with something better that what I have done and has been recognized and appreciated for.

What did you think of the festival called "The World of Yash Chopra" conducted by Channel 4?

I humbly accepted it as a great honour for all of us Indian filmmaker. The festival showed my films and films directed by younger filmmaker under my banner to an entirely new audience. We at Yash Raj Films are making all out efforts to make all films reach a global market. We have been succeeding and this festival gave a greater boost to our efforts.

Did you participate in the festival?

The only way I participated was by talking about my films and my banner. I did not go to London because there was so much work to be done here. I was very happy about the festival and am happy with the reaction of a new audience to our films. It helped us in planning our next moves.

There is talk about Yash Raj Films going for the big kill by making ten films at a time.

It is impossible to make ten films at the same time and do justice to them. Yes, we are making films on a regular basis. We are planning some other films with some new directors but it is still too early to talk about them now.

What about directing your next film which people are as usual waiting for eagerly?

What will I do? Where else can I go? I have to direct my own film. I have had my hands and mind full with all kinds of activities. But there is an idea taking shape in my mind. I will complete working on the idea and then give it to some good writers to work on. But where are the good writers? The lack of good writers is one of the greatest problems of this industry. Sometimes I feel shocked at what I call the intellectual bankruptcy in our industry. It was never like this before.

What did you think about Aditya Chopra's "Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge" running in its eleventh year at the Maratha Mandir in Mumbai?

I feel very happy for Adi who has created such an extraordinary record with his very first film as a director. It is a very proud achievement for both father and son. It speaks volumes for Adi's abilities and what he can do in the future.

Your company has had some of the most serious setbacks in during the recent months. Your comments.

Every company has to face its share of ups and downs. We tried our best to make every film the best film, but what can we do before the mighty power of the voice of the people? We have accepted their verdict and have learned our lessons to face the challenges of the future.

Don't you think the title of your next film, 'Bachna Ae Haseeno' is some kind of a symbolic self warning to your company?

We have taken every failure as a warning. We have made this film too after taking all the precautions. It is a very important film for the young artists, Ranbir, Deepika and Minissha, but it is also a very important film for us and I hope the film is a grand success for the good of all of us.

How do you feel sitting in this new and elegant office designed for you?

It is a perfect atmosphere to dream some of my best dreams for the future, what else can I say?