‘Decoding Bollywood’ decodes lives of 15 filmmakers

“Decoding Bollywood”, a new book by author Sonia Golani, takes readers through the unusual lives of 15 Hindi movie makers, including Mahesh Bhatt, R. Balakrishnan and Anurag Basu, who have created benchmarks in their respective genres.

The book is due to be launched here Thursday in the presence of Farah Khan and Kunal Kohli, whose lives have also been ‘decoded’ for the literary offering.

Among the 15 names are also Ashutosh Gowariker, Kabir Khan, Nagesh Kukunoor, Nandita Das, Prakash Jha, Rohit Shetty, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, Sudhir Mishra, Vipul Shah and Zoya Akhtar.

“Decoding Bollywood” will unravel some interesting facts about the lives of these filmmakers, who have steered the Hindi film industry to new heights by giving different creative dimensions.

They have spoken about their experiences, battles, observations and learning during their journey in the film world.

For example, Kabir Khan who made “Kabul Express”, produced by Yash Raj Films, has revealed he never approached the banner due to “stereotypes” regarding it.

“The only studio I didn’t approach was Yash Raj Films because of the stereotypes that we have in our minds. I though Yash Raj Films only made chiffon romance and love stories, and why would they be interested in a film like ‘Kabul Express’! If at all they did, they would make sure to add an item number in it, and so on and so forth,” Khan has shared.

The outspoken choreographer-filmmaker Farah has shared her observation of a new trend.

“I see a new trend now, a breed of young 20 something women managers accompanying actresses. Earlier there used to be the quintessential star mommies who would chaperone their daughters but in retrospect I feel they were better than these new age managers who brainwash actresses,” she has said.

Bhatt, whose production banner Vishesh Films backs new talent in the industry and churns out hit movies off and on, has also recounted how he began his journey in filmdom.

Priced at Rs. 250, the book is published by Westland Limited.

Its author, Golani, holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Lady Shri Ram College and a master’s degree from the University of Delhi.

She is also an entrepreneur and her second book, “My Life, My Rules: Stories of 18 Unconventional Careers” was published in 2013. Her first book was titled “Corporate Divas”.

Inputs by IANS