Aditya Chopra, the reclusive filmmaker behind Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ), has been described as a “dictator” by his colleagues during the making of his iconic debut film. The revelations were made in a candid interview on Yash Raj Films’ YouTube channel.
Legendary choreographer Saroj Khan shared an incident where Chopra nearly fired her for being late. “Adi was about to throw me out of the picture,” Saroj Khan said. She arrived one day late for the shoot of a key song, prompting Chopra to consider drastic action. “He was shouting and telling his father, ‘I’m going to throw out Saroj ji,’” she recalled. Thankfully, she reached on time, avoiding dismissal.
Uday Chopra on Aditya’s Vision
Aditya’s younger brother, Uday Chopra, praised his sibling’s determination. “Nobody knew what was going on in Adi’s mind,” he said. Uday revealed that seasoned professionals like Saroj Khan and cinematographer Manmohan Singh had questioned Aditya’s direction. Despite the doubts, Aditya stuck to his instincts.
Shah Rukh Khan, who starred in DDLJ with Kajol, admired Aditya’s refusal to compromise his vision. “He said, ‘If I go wrong, it should be my wrong,’” Shah Rukh recalled. Despite working with an experienced technical team, Aditya insisted on trusting his creative choices.
Karan Johar: “It’s His Way or the Highway”
Karan Johar, who worked as an assistant director on DDLJ, described Aditya as a “dictator.” He added, “It’s his way or the highway. His clarity is something I want to emulate.” According to Karan, Aditya’s confidence and strong sense of direction played a key role in the film’s success.
Released in 1995, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge became a monumental success. It set a new benchmark in Hindi cinema and solidified Aditya Chopra’s reputation as a filmmaker. The movie also propelled Shah Rukh Khan to superstardom, making him the leading actor of his generation.
Aditya Chopra’s Impact on Bollywood
Aditya’s determination and leadership during the making of DDLJ continue to inspire filmmakers. Despite being labeled a “dictator,” his unwavering belief in his vision contributed to creating one of Hindi cinema’s greatest films.
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