Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s father slapped him for wanting to be a director, said ‘Bhooka mar jaayega Bombay mein’

Vidhu Vinod Chopra is a renowned Indian filmmaker celebrated for his impactful storytelling. His notable works include the crime drama 'Parinda', the patriotic epic 'Mission Kashmir', and the inspiring biographical film '12th Fail'. Chopra's films often blend commercial appeal with critical acclaim, establishing himself as a visionary director and producer.
Vidhu recently shared a poignant memory from his childhood that highlights the struggles he faced in pursuing his dream of filmmaking. During a discussion at the IFP Festival, he recounted how his father reacted with disbelief and anger when he expressed his ambition to become a director. Instead of encouragement, Chopra received a slap, a moment that encapsulated the challenges he would encounter on his journey. “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?)’”
This reaction reflected not only his father's concern for his son's future, but also the harsh realities of the film industry in Mumbai, where many aspiring filmmakers struggle to find their footing. Chopra's father was unable to financially support his dreams, which led the young filmmaker to reflect deeply on his situation.

Rather than being deterred, he became determined to carve out his own path. He excelled academically, topping Kashmir University in Economics Honours with First Class First distinction. This achievement earned him a national scholarship of Rs 250 from the Government of India, which was instrumental in allowing him to pursue film studies.

With this scholarship, Chopra enrolled in film school, marking the beginning of his cinematic journey. His resilience paid off when he humorously recalled a conversation with his father in 1979 regarding an Oscar nomination. When he excitedly shared the news of his nomination, his father's response was pragmatic: he wanted to know about the monetary reward associated with such an accolade.

Chopra's career has been marked by both commercial hits and critical successes. His recent film '12th Fail' has garnered significant attention for its inspiring narrative and strong performances. The film tells the story of IPS Manoj Kumar Sharma, who overcomes substantial adversity to achieve his dream of becoming an Indian Police Service officer. This narrative resonates deeply with audiences and critics alike, reinforcing Chopra's reputation as a storyteller who addresses real-life struggles.