Karan, Aditya & I Born with Golden Spoons, Sell Fairytale: Sooraj
In an industry where success is often attributed to hard work and perseverance, filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya has thrown some interesting light on the matter. In a recent interview, he revealed that he, along with his contemporaries Karan Johar and Aditya Chopra, were born with golden spoons and never had to face the hardships of life. According to Barjatya, their privileged upbringing played a significant role in shaping their filmmaking experiences and the kind of stories they told on screen.
The statement comes as a surprise to many, as one would expect successful filmmakers like Barjatya, Johar, and Chopra to have had to struggle their way to the top. However, Barjatya’s words shed light on the reality of their privileged upbringing, which undoubtedly influenced their perspectives on filmmaking.
“We have always travelled in cars,” Barjatya said in the interview. “We have never had to walk or take public transport. We have always had the best of everything, and that has affected our work.” He added, “We showed the kind of world that was a fairytale, and the 90s were an era when the audience wanted to see fairytales.”
Barjatya’s statement is an honest acknowledgment of the privilege that came with being part of prominent film families. His father, Rajkumar Barjatya, was a renowned filmmaker in his own right, and Sooraj’s upbringing was characterized by luxury and comfort. Similarly, Karan Johar’s father, Yash Johar, was a successful producer, and Aditya Chopra’s father, Yash Chopra, was a legendary filmmaker. Their families had the means and connections to provide them with the best possible start in life.
This privilege, according to Barjatya, had a significant impact on the kind of films they made. They were often drawn to stories that were escapist and idealized, catering to the audience’s desire for a fairytale-like experience. The 1990s, in particular, were a time when Indian audiences were hungry for feel-good, family-friendly films that offered a break from the harsh realities of everyday life.
Barjatya’s films, such as “Maine Pyar Kiya” (1989), “Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!” (1994), and “Hum Saath-Saath Hain” (1999), were all characterized by their romantic, sentimental, and often melodramatic storylines. These films were huge commercial successes, and their influence can still be seen in the Indian film industry today.
While Barjatya’s statement is an acknowledgment of his own privilege, it also raises questions about the representation of reality in Indian cinema. Have filmmakers like Barjatya, Johar, and Chopra been so sheltered from the harsh realities of life that they have lost touch with the struggles and challenges faced by ordinary people?
The answer, perhaps, lies in the fact that Indian cinema has always been a reflection of the society it serves. The industry has historically been divided into different segments, with mainstream cinema catering to the urban, middle-class audience and parallel cinema focusing on more gritty, real-life stories.
Filmmakers like Barjatya, Johar, and Chopra have never claimed to make socially relevant films. Instead, they have focused on creating entertainment that appeals to a broad audience. Their films may not have tackled complex social issues, but they have provided a sense of escapism and joy to millions of people.
In conclusion, Sooraj Barjatya’s statement serves as a reminder that privilege can play a significant role in shaping one’s life and work. While it may be uncomfortable to acknowledge, it is essential to recognize the advantages that come with being part of prominent film families. By doing so, we can better understand the industry and the stories it tells.
