The 19th Convocation Ceremony of Whistling Woods International was held at an auditorium in Mumbai on January 24. Hence, it also coincided with its founder, Subhash Ghai’s 81st birthday. The special occasion was graced by Subhash Ghai along with popular Bengali and Hindi actor Prosenjit Chatterjee and ace cinematographer Anil Mehta. Both were confirmed with the honour of Maestro. Jackie Shroff and the faculty members joined them on stage and felicitated the graduates.
After the event, Subhash Ghai, Prosenjit Chatterjee, Anil Mehta and Ghai’s daughter, Meghna Ghai Puri, President, Whistling Woods International, spoke to a select group of mediapersons. When asked how he looks back at his journey, Subhash Ghai replied, “Peeche mud ke toh kabhi maine dekha hi nahin! It’s only the people who tell me what I have done. I only focus on what to do next. Peeche jo mud ke dekhte hai, woh ruk jaate hai. Hence, I never look back.”
He proudly stated, “4000 students have already passed and are working in the industry. All of them are well-placed and, most importantly, they are well-disciplined. Their bosses always tell me that our students have been doing well in life in all respects. It gives me a lot of pride and it’s rare.”
The Showman then praised Prosenjit Chatterjee, “I am thankful to him. He’s a superstar of India. He’s also my friend. I just called him once. He’s so busy and yet, he took a flight at 3 am just to attend this program. He has to go back tonight. I am quite honoured and I feel emotional about it.”
Turning towards Prosenjit, he said, “Now, I’d like you to speak and appreciate me!”
Prosenjit Chatterjee stated, “When Subhash ji called, I forgot that my film (Vijaynagar’er Hirey) was releasing on January 23. So, I agreed. We are huge fans of his work. I can still rattle off 50% of the dialogues of Kalicharan (1976). These kids are our future. WWI is one of the finest audio-visual institutions not just of India but of the world.”
On Kalicharan’s 50 years and A R Rahman
2026 is a special year for Subhash Ghai. His debut directorial, Kalicharan, will complete 50 years on February 6. Bollywood Hungama asked about it. Subhash Ghai, who was in a mood for some banter, replied, “I thought Kalicharan released just 5 years ago! Now that you told me that, I realized (that it’ll be 50 years). I kept making films for 35-40 years. I never rested even for a second. Listening to your question, I feel like I was transported back in a time machine (smiles). I have been a student all my life. Ab mere aage seekhne ka scope aapne kam kar diya!”
Finally, Bollywood Hungama also asked about him to comment on A R Rahman’s recent communal remark. The Oscar winning composer has collaborated with Subhash Ghai in films like Taal (1999), Kisna (2005) and Yuvvraaj (2008).
Subhash Ghai stated, “I have known since 1994. I never got even a hint about it while conversing with him. This is the first time I heard this, that too from the media. Duur duur tak kabhi haav bhaav mein yeh baat nahin aayi. He’s a dedicated musician. He only focuses on his work. Kabhi kabhi hum uske saath gappe maarne ki koshish karte hai. Lekin woh gappe maarta hi nahin hai! He’d be like ‘I am going for namaz’ or ‘I am going for meditation’. Hence, I am myself surprised. I had never heard him talking directly or indirectly or feeling this way ever.”
A sweet end to the interaction
After the press interaction, Subhash Ghai cut a cake themed on his films in the presence of Prosenjit Chatterjee, Anil Mehta and Meghna Ghai Puri. With his trademark antics and infectious humour, the filmmaker had everyone in splits, proving once again that he isn’t 81 years old; he’s 81 years young and forever young at heart.
Also Read: “I wanted to hit him”: Ram Gopal Varma shares the making-of story behind ‘Hai Rama’ with AR Rahman
The post EXCLUSIVE: Subhash Ghai celebrates 81st birthday at Whistling Woods International’s convocation ceremony; BREAKS silence on A R Rahman’s ‘communal’ remark: “I am surprised; known him since 1994; never heard him talking directly or indirectly or feeling this way EVER” appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.
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