Karan, Aditya & I Born with Golden Spoons, Sell Fairytale: Sooraj
The Indian film industry has always been a hub of glamour and opulence, with the lives of celebrities often shrouded in mystery. However, recently, filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya made a candid confession about the privileged upbringing he and his contemporaries, Karan Johar and Aditya Chopra, had. In an interview, Barjatya revealed that he, along with Johar and Chopra, were born with “golden spoons” and have never experienced the hardships of life.
The statement has sparked a heated debate among film enthusiasts and critics, with some questioning the authenticity of the confession while others see it as a reflection of the reality of the Bollywood industry. In this blog post, we will delve into the implications of Barjatya’s statement and explore the significance of his words in the context of the Indian film industry.
Born with Golden Spoons
In an interview with Hindustan Times, Barjatya stated, “We have always travelled in cars, we have never walked on the road. We have never had to struggle for anything. We were born with golden spoons.” He further added, “We have always had the best of everything, and we have never had to face any kind of hardship or struggle in life.”
Barjatya’s statement is a stark reminder of the privileged upbringing he and his contemporaries had. Growing up in the 80s and 90s, Barjatya, Johar, and Chopra were part of the crème de la crème of Indian society. Their families were well-established in the film industry, with their fathers being renowned filmmakers in their own right.
Karan Johar, for instance, is the son of Yash Johar, a prominent film producer who founded Dharma Productions. Aditya Chopra, on the other hand, is the son of Yash Chopra, a legendary filmmaker who was known for his iconic films like Deewar and Dil To Pagal Hai.
Sooraj Barjatya’s family, too, has a rich history in the film industry. His father, Rajkumar Barjatya, was a successful filmmaker who directed several films, including the iconic family drama, Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!
Selling Fairytale
Barjatya’s statement also highlights the fact that he and his contemporaries have always sold a fairytale to the audience. In the 90s, Indian cinema was dominated by family dramas and romantic comedies that showcased a world of opulence and luxury. Films like Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai became massive hits, and the audience lapped up the fairytale-like stories they presented.
Barjatya’s own films, such as Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! and Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon, are a testament to this. His films often featured lavish sets, elaborate song and dance numbers, and a sense of grandeur that was unparalleled in Indian cinema at that time.
The 90s were an era when the audience wanted to see fairytales, and Barjatya and his contemporaries delivered just that. They showed the kind of world that was a fairytale, and their films became a staple of Indian popular culture.
Implications of Barjatya’s Statement
Barjatya’s statement has sparked a debate about the authenticity of his confession. Some have questioned whether he and his contemporaries truly experienced the kind of hardships that others did, or if they were indeed “born with golden spoons”.
However, Barjatya’s statement also highlights the reality of the Bollywood industry. The film industry is known for its nepotism and privilege, and many filmmakers and actors have inherited their success from their families.
In recent years, the industry has seen a rise in the number of “star kids” who have made it big without any significant struggle. Actors like Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan, and Ranveer Singh are just a few examples of this.
Barjatya’s statement also raises questions about the kind of stories that are being told in Indian cinema. In an era where the audience is craving more realistic and authentic stories, the industry’s reliance on fairytales and romantic comedies may be seen as a step backward.
Conclusion
Sooraj Barjatya’s statement about being “born with golden spoons” and selling fairytales to the audience is a candid admission of the privileged upbringing he and his contemporaries had. While some may question the authenticity of his confession, it is undeniable that Barjatya and his contemporaries have been part of a privileged group in the film industry.
Their statement also highlights the reality of the Bollywood industry, which is known for its nepotism and privilege. As the industry continues to evolve and change, it will be interesting to see how the next generation of filmmakers and actors navigate the challenges and opportunities that come with being part of this industry.
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