Aditya Chopra, recently featured in Netflix’s documentary The Romantics, has been labelled a ‘dictator’ by a colleague involved in his groundbreaking debut film, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ).
In an interview, late choreographer Saroj Khan is seen sharing a dramatic incident during production when Chopra almost dismissed her for arriving late.
“Adi was about to throw me out of the picture,” Saroj said, “I showed up a day late just before a crucial song shoot, and he was furious, telling his father, ‘I’m going to throw out Saroj ji.’”
Uday Chopra, Aditya’s brother, also commented on the DDLJ director’s commitment to charting his own course, even when faced with advice from industry veterans.
“Nobody knew what was going on in Adi’s mind,” Uday said and noted that even seasoned professionals like choreographer Saroj and cinematographer Manmohan Singh voiced concerns about the film’s direction. “Saroj ji would say, ‘Adi, what are you doing? You’re messing this up,’ but Adi remained steadfast in trusting his instincts.”
Shah Rukh Khan, who starred in DDLJ alongside Kajol, shared how the director refused to compromise his artistic vision. “He insisted, ‘If I go wrong, it should be my wrong,’” Khan recalled.
Despite the presence of experienced crew members, Aditya relied on his gut feelings. Karan Johar, who served as an assistant director on the blockbuster film, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the director’s unwavering dedication to his vision.
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Karan described Aditya as a “dictator,” stating, “It’s his way or the highway. His clarity is something I aspire to emulate.” He highlighted how Chopra’s early confidence and decisive vision were key factors in the film’s enduring success.
Released in 1995, DDLJ became a groundbreaking hit, often regarded as one of the greatest films in Hindi cinema. This monumental success not only cemented Aditya’s status as a leading filmmaker but also propelled Shah Rukh Khan to the forefront as the top star of his generation.
