12th fail director Vidhu Vinod Chopra reveals his father's reaction when he told him he wants to be a director

12th fail director Vidhu Vinod Chopra reveals his father's reaction when he told him he wants to be a director

Producer and director Vidhu Vinod Chopra recently recalled his father’s reaction when he told him that he wants to become a filmmaker.

Vidhu Vinod Chopra is the man behind acclaimed films such as Khamosh, Parinda, 1942: A Love Story and Mission Kashmir. His recent directorial films consists of biographical drama 12th Fail (2023), Munna Bhai film series, 3 Idiots (2009), PK (2014), and Sanju (2018).

On his recent visit to the 14th Indian Film Festival that was held on 12 and 13th October. Vidhu Vinod Chopra revealed that his father slapped him when he said he wanted to make films. His father cautioned him that pursuing a career in Mumbai would not lead to financial stability. Chopra shared that he had to work his way to FTII, where he learnt the craft.

"When I told my father in Kashmir, 'Paaji, I want to make a film,' he slapped me and said, 'Bhooka mar jaayega Bombay mein. Kaise rahega?' (You will die of starvation, how will you survive?). He couldn’t afford to send me anywhere so I thought about it, I struggled, I topped Kashmir University in Economics Honours, I am First Class First, so I could get Rs 250 as national scholarship from Government of India, which I got," Vidhu Vinod Chopra said.

"With that Rs 250 a month, I went to film school. Funny joke is, in 1979, when I was nominated for an Oscar, I told my father, 'Paaji, meri picture nominate ho gayi hai. '(My film has been nominated). He said, 'Bahut acha ho gaya beta, kitne paise milenge?' (That’s great news, how much money will you get?)" the director added.

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Vidhu Vinod Chopra made a lot of buzz last year when he released 12th Fail. The Vikrant Massey starrer left audiences and critics much impressed with its inspiring plot and outstanding performances. The film became a major box office success, earning praise not just from fans but also from fellow celebrities. Vikrant Massey won multiple prizes this year for his compelling performance with significant praise.