The Showman of Bollywood: Subhash Ghai

The 80s and 90s were the time of some epic films in Bollywood. Some of the films that come to mind are the films of Subhash Ghai such as Hero, Karma, Meri Jung, Khalnayak and Taal. Even today, we flip a channel and there is a Subhash Ghai movie running on one channel or the other.

All his films had a clearly defined and easy to follow narrative that was a hit with the masses and the classes. The characters were etched properly and left a mark and the songs were melodious and catchy.

Subhash Ghai was called the showman because of the beauty that he portrayed on screen with each moment. The lighting, composition, and acting were all pitch perfect. He has been a champion of commercial cinema and has been successful in satisfying everyone, whether it is a truck driver or a diamond merchant.  An important aspect of his filmmaking is that his films are relevant even today. Many of the characters in his movies are still remembered by the masses and are cited as big influences by the current crop of actors and students of cinema.

Subhash Ghai’s upcoming film Kaanchi will release on the 6^th of December and we all hope to see Ghai’s magic once again on the big screen.

Subhash Ghai shooting a mammoth dance number with Rishi Kapoor after 32 years

Subhash Ghai and Rishi Kapoor are coming together for a dance number after 32 years on the sets of his upcoming film Kaanchi. Their last film Karz had super hit songs that are remembered for their evergreen melody and the signature Karz tune. Subhash Ghai’s brilliant ideas involving the revolving stage in ‘Meri umar ke nau jawaanon’ and the shadow play seen in ‘Ek haseena thi’ have stood the test of time and proved their mettle with the audience time and again.

Now, 32 years later, Subhash Ghai and Rishi Kapoor are presently shooting in Film City in a mammoth set for a song in the latest Ghai film, Kaanchi. The choreographer for the song is Ganesh Acharya . A huge, grand set has been erected in the Film City premises only for this song. The cast and crew are really excited considering the previous history of this creative endeavour between Subhash Ghai and Rishi Kapoor. The stage is set for another chartbuster from Subhash Ghai.

Rishi Kapoor plays a negative character in Subhash Ghai’s Kaanchi

Rishi Kapoor has become a leading face of character driven roles that have negative shades. It started with the menacing Rauf Lala in Agneepath, led to the role of a gangster in D-day and now he plays the role of a flamboyant business tycoon who is the villain in Subhash Ghai’s next film, Kaanchi.
Subhash Ghai and Rishi Kapoor have come together after a span of 32 years.

Their first film together was Karz. Even though Karz did not do well at the box office, it’s now considered a cult film.

Kaanchi will see Rishi Kapoor play a businessman who likes the 3 Gs – Girls, Guns, Guitar.
Subhash Ghai says “We are having so much fun on the sets shooting with Rishi Kapoor and it is a pleasure to work with one of the best actors in the industry. I am sure the audience is going to love his look and character in the film.”

Kaanchi stars Kartik Aryan and newcomer Mishti. The movie is going to release on 6^th December 2013.

Kartik Aryan and Rishabh Sinha bond on the sets of Subhash Ghai's Kaanchi

In Bollywood there is always a stereotype that two actors working on the same set don’t get along. But the Kaanchi set tells a different story. Kartik Aryan, who plays the lead actor, and Rishabh Sinha, who plays a negative role, bonded big time on the sets of Kaanchi.

Rishabh says “You know there is this stereotype that two actors hate each other and the press always quizzes actors on this topic. The fact is that it’s not about the chemistry between two people or three people. Filmmaking is a team effort with more than 500 people working together to make a film perfect and on the sets of Kaanchi we all enjoyed working together as one unit and that will reflect positively in the film. Kartik is like a brother to me and shooting together has been great fun.”

Kartik adds “Rishabh is a brilliant and a professional actor to work with. It’s been fun shooting with him and the entire unit of Kaanchi!”

Subhash Ghai’s Kaanchi will release on the 6th of December 2013. Along with Kartik and Rishabh the film stars newcomer Mishti and veteran actors Rishi Kapoor and Mithun Chakraborty.

Kaanchi will release on the 6th of December 2013

The much anticipated film Kaanchi is going to release on the 6th of December 2013.

The Showman Subhash Ghai says “I know people are waiting for a big film from me with wholesome entertainment. Kaanchi has a great story with a message with excellent music by Ismail Darbar and Salim-Sulaiman and lyrics by Irshad Kamil. My new cast has done a fantastic job. It’s larger than life film and I am sure the audience will enjoy the film.”

Chemistry between the lead actors of Subhash Ghai movies

Subhash Ghai's movies are known for the great chemistry between the actors. Right from  Shatrughan Sinha and Reena Roy in Kalicharan, Rishi Kapoor and Tina in Karz to Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif in Yuuvraaj. Following are some of the most memorable pairs from Subhash Ghai movies:
 

Shatrughan Sinha and Reena Roy

Kalicharan was a breakthrough role for both Shatrughan Sinha and Reena Roy. Kalicharan was Subhash Ghai's debut film and it made Reena and Shatrughan the most sought after lead jodi. Even today people talk of their chemistry in the film.


Rishi Kapoor and Tina Munim

Rishi's chemistry with co-star Tina Munim and the incredible dance sequences in Om Shanti Om and Paisa Yeh Paisa created a big furore when Karz released in 1980. The movie was remade in 2008 by director Satish Kaushik.

Anil Kapoor and Madhuri Dixit

This was also one of many movies in which Anil Kapoor and Madhuri Dixit were paired opposite each other. Their pairing together in the 90s is legendary and they are considered one of the most successful pairs in Bollywood.

Akshaye Khanna and Aishwarya Rai

 

 Taal was a breakthrough film for Aishwarya Rai and the pairing of her with Akshaye Khanna was a hit in Bollywood. The film's beautiful music added to their on screen charm.

Will Mishti and Kartik repeate the legacy? 

 Stay tuned!