Karan, Aditya & I Born with Golden Spoons, Sell Fairytale: Sooraj
In a recent statement, renowned filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya shed light on the privileged upbringing of himself, Karan Johar, and Aditya Chopra. In an era where the Hindi film industry was dominated by grand, opulent productions, these three filmmakers were born into families that were already established in the industry. As a result, they never had to face the challenges that many aspiring filmmakers had to overcome.
Barjatya, known for his iconic films like “Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!” and “Maine Pyar Kiya”, believes that his privileged upbringing has had a significant impact on the kind of stories he tells. In an interview, he said, “We were born with golden spoons. We have always travelled in cars. We have never experienced the hardships of life.” He went on to add, “We showed the kind of world that was a fairytale, and the 90s were an era when the audience wanted to see fairytales.”
This statement is particularly noteworthy, as it highlights the extent to which privilege can shape one’s creative output. Barjatya’s assertion that he and his peers were “born with golden spoons” is not meant to be taken literally, but rather as a metaphor for the luxurious upbringing they enjoyed. Growing up in families that were already established in the film industry, they had access to resources and opportunities that many aspiring filmmakers could only dream of.
Barjatya’s comments also resonate with the kind of films that Karan Johar and Aditya Chopra have made over the years. Karan Johar’s films, such as “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai” and “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham…”, are known for their grand, over-the-top production values, while Aditya Chopra’s films, such as “Dilwale” and “Mohabbatein”, often feature lavish settings and romantic storylines. These films are the epitome of the “fairytale” that Barjatya refers to, with their emphasis on romance, drama, and spectacle.
However, it’s also worth noting that Barjatya’s comments can be seen as a critique of the film industry’s reliance on privilege and nepotism. Many aspiring filmmakers have to struggle to get their foot in the door, facing rejection and hardship along the way. In contrast, Barjatya and his peers had their careers practically handed to them on a silver platter.
This is not to say that Barjatya’s comments are entirely negative. After all, his films have been beloved by audiences for decades, and he has been instrumental in shaping the Hindi film industry into what it is today. However, it’s also important to acknowledge the role that privilege has played in his success, and to recognize that not everyone has been as fortunate.
In an industry where nepotism and privilege are often seen as the keys to success, Barjatya’s comments serve as a reminder of the importance of recognizing one’s privilege. As a filmmaker, he has the power to shape the stories that are told, and to create a more inclusive and diverse industry. By acknowledging his own privilege, he can use his platform to amplify the voices of others, and to create a more equitable industry.
In conclusion, Sooraj Barjatya’s comments on being “born with golden spoons” serve as a reminder of the importance of recognizing one’s privilege. While his films have been beloved by audiences for decades, it’s also important to acknowledge the role that privilege has played in his success. As the industry continues to evolve, it’s important for filmmakers like Barjatya to use their platform to create a more inclusive and diverse industry, and to recognize the struggles that many aspiring filmmakers face.
