Imtiaz Ali Credits Subhash Ghai as His 'Dronacharya,' Reflects on Learning Storytelling Through His Films

Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali revealed that he has always regarded veteran director Subhash Ghai as his "Dronacharya," crediting Ghai’s films for teaching him the nuances of storytelling during his formative years in Jamshedpur.

As reported by PTI, speaking at the launch of Ghai's memoir, Karma’s Child, co-written by journalist and author Suveen Sinha, Ali shared how the iconic filmmaker’s work profoundly influenced his journey into cinema. The event was held at the National Centre for the Performing Arts and the book, published by HarperCollins, chronicles Ghai’s life and experiences.

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You know about the music of Subhash Ghai films. Music from his films is very popular and touched your heart. He has maintained a beautiful balance between good and popular music

- Imtiaz Ali

He elaborated on his early admiration for Ghai’s storytelling: "You keep learning good things from visible or invisible gurus. Subhash Ghai was like a Dronacharya when I was like an Ekalavya in Jamshedpur and learnt from his films."

Ali admitted he hasn’t finished reading Karma’s Child yet, but said the chapters he has read offer profound insights. "‘Karma’s Child’ is a must-read for every movie enthusiast," he added.

Known for directing films like Jab We Met, Rockstar, Tamasha, and Love Aaj Kal, Ali said Ghai’s 1983 love story Hero, starring Jackie Shroff and Meenakshi Sheshadri, left a lasting impression on him.

I was in that age, watching all that, listening to that music and the way Subhash ji has made that film, it had a very strong impact on me. I always used to narrate the story of Hero to my friends and slowly I was inclined towards drama in school,"

- Imtiaz Ali

Ali also recounted his first meeting with Ghai, a moment he described as transformative. "Subhash ji came to watch my film Socha Na Tha. He was such a huge personality, and I did not even dare to stand in front of him. Luckily, he liked my film. At that time, the film was in trouble,the film was in trouble, meaning it wasn't getting the release and needed some money."

"So, Subhash ji bought the TV rights so that the film could be released. His point of view was that the film is nice and lovely; it has to be released. Later, he signed me as well. When I saw him for the first time, he was like a deity who saved me and released my film."

For his part, Ghai reflected on his illustrious career and his mixed emotions about sharing his journey in a memoir. "Whenever you tell a story in films, sometimes there are good and bad things. You have spoken against some people and you have to agree with some people. So, the era is high and low, the dilemma of the director. I have expressed my experience from my perspective," he explained.

The 79-year-old filmmaker, known for classics such as Karma, Khal Nayak, Ram Lakhan, Hero, Pardes, and Taal, said he feels a deep sense of fulfillment when young filmmakers recognize and appreciate his work.

"When I was making those films, I was thinking it was nice, but when an upcoming generation compliments your films, you know it's not the market. Back then it was a market, and now it is real admiration. I feel the genuine admiration has started now," he said.