Producer-director Yash Chopra, a stalwart of Indian Cinema, has been entertaining the Indian masses with his Hindi movies for almost three decades now. With both his sons Aditya and Uday having already entered tinsel town, the famous director spoke to Mumbaibest about Indian commercial movies, Indian music and his sons.

In what direction, do you think, is the Hindi film industry heading ?

Today we have an educated audience for our movies, who do not taking things lying down. They want new ideas and better quality pictures. This attitude of the audience to ask for something unique and different is causing directors and the producers to come out with good products. This is the only reason that most of the big names in the industry are spending more time on scripting, editing and casting.

Is there any role of Indian Classical Music in Hindi movies today?

Yes, there is. The audience now wants music with melody and rhythm, which is soothing to the ears. Melody and rhythm is nothing but Indian Classical Music. I made a lot of movies where I used the musical talents of Shivji ( Shiv Kumar Sharma) and Hariji ( Hari Prasad Chaurasia). People appreciated the music in Silsila, Chandni and Darr. I do have plans to produce more such musical movies with legends of Indian classical music, but it is difficult as they are very busy people who spend most of their time abroad.I am open to such music and with due regards invite musicians, so that we can work together and change the notion of the audience, that Indian Classical Music is not for the masses.

What you have to say about the new entrants in the industry ?

Oh! they are very talented. All of them have been well groomed before they entered this field. They are very hard working, very enthusiastic to learn new things, and respect the presence of us elders in the industry. If you look back at my films, you will see that I have always encouraged new talent and given them my best. A lot of them learned from me and are now doing well for themselves. One thing I want to tell all the young people is that to survive in the industry, you have to be patient and hardworking. If you follow this the rest (money and fame) will follow .

Both your sons, Aditya and Uday, have entered the industry. Where do you think they stand in this highly competitive field?

I am really very proud of them. Aditya has already proved his potential as a director with Dilwale Dulhaniya. Uday has made his debut with Mohabbatein, and I think he has done a wonderful job, despite being a newcomer.

How was it like to work with two great actors Amitabh Bachchan and Shahrukh Khan in Mohabbatein ?

I have worked with Amitabhji and Shahrukh seperately, and they both are fabulous actors. In Mohabbatein, I happened to get both these talents together for the first time in Hindi cinema. Both of them deliver whatever was asked from them. Despite being great actors, they do not have any airs. They respected our requirements during the shooting and with their cooperation we could bring out Mohabbatein, which is a beautiful love story.

By : Sharmistha Chakraborty