Vidhu Vinod Chopra reveals his father slapped him for wanting to be director, told THIS when his film got nominated for Oscars: ‘Bhooka mar jaayega Bombay mein’

Vidhu Vinod Chopra reveals his father slapped him for wanting to be director, told THIS when his film got nominated for Oscars: ‘Bhooka mar jaayega Bombay mein’

As a fervent admirer and storyteller myself, I find Vidhu Vinod Chopra‘s journey to be nothing short of inspiring. His resilience in the face of adversity, his unwavering passion for cinema, and his ability to transform those hardships into compelling narratives are truly awe-inspiring.


Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s cinematic journey, marked by a mix of popular success and critical acclaim, is driven by his unyielding enthusiasm and artistic imagination. Lately, he shared an important memory from his past where he shared his aspiration to be a filmmaker with his father. Instead of encouragement, he received a slap, which symbolized the obstacles he would face. His father warned him that choosing a career in Bombay wouldn’t guarantee financial security.

At the IFP Festival, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, both director and producer, reminisced about an impactful event from his youth. He recounted an incident when he disclosed his aspiration to be a filmmaker to his father, which was followed by a harsh slap and a stern caution about the tough conditions of working in Bombay, where success seemed elusive.

He told me, “When I shared with my father in Kashmir, ‘Paaji, I wish to create a movie,’ he struck me and exclaimed, ‘You’ll perish from hunger in Bombay. How can you survive?’

The director of “The 12th Fail” shared that financial constraints prevented his father from nurturing his aspirations, leading him to ponder his circumstances deeply. Resolute on carving out his own destiny, he excelled in academics, graduating top of Kashmir University’s Economics Honours program with a First Class First distinction. This academic triumph earned him a national scholarship worth Rs 250 from the Indian government, a modest yet meaningful stride towards his dreams.

Using a lighter tone: Every month, that Rs 250 scholarship allowed him to go to film school. In a rather ironic turn of events, he remembered his chat with his dad back in 1979 when he got an Oscar nomination. He proudly announced the news, but all his father seemed interested in was the cash prize associated with such an honor.

Last year, Vidhu Vinod Chopra garnered considerable acclaim with the debut of the movie titled “12th Fail”. This cinematic piece struck a chord with viewers and critics alike due to its inspiring storyline and exceptional acting skills on display.

This remarkable work is considered one of Vidhu’s best. The story follows IPS Manoj Kumar Sharma, who triumphs over significant poverty to achieve his dream of becoming an Indian Police Service officer.

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2024-10-15 07:52