Archive · 29 Aug 2026
Subhash Ghai Says Star System Shaped His Newcomer-First Filmmaking
Subhash Ghai is a filmmaker who often gives new actors important chances.
He said he prefers actors who are hardworking, humble and eager to learn.
He remembered how Raj Kapoor made Bobby after Mera Naam Joker had failed.
Bobby used newcomers Rishi Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia and became a major success.
This made Ghai feel that a director can create a successful film without relying on famous stars.
He believes stars can sometimes make a story focus too much on themselves.
He also said that money, popularity and box-office expectations now influence casting more strongly.
Ghai said his possible film Taal 2 may use newcomers as well.
Subhash Ghai said Raj Kapoor’s Bobby convinced him that films belong to filmmakers, not stars.
Ghai said he has long preferred newcomers with hunger, humility and passion over actors with attitude.
He argued that star casting can make a script revolve around the actor rather than the director’s vision.
Ghai credited newcomers including Mahima Chaudhry, Aishwarya Rai and Akshaye Khanna with important film successes.
He said his developing Taal 2 script may be made with newcomers, continuing his earlier approach.
- Who
- Filmmaker Subhash Ghai, discussing his approach and Raj Kapoor’s influence.
- What
- Ghai explained why he prefers newcomers and criticizes the star system in filmmaking.
- When
- In a recent conversation on Times Now’s Dil Ki Baatein podcast; he also recently discussed Taal 2 with NDTV.
- Where
- The comments were made during media interviews and concern the Indian film industry.
- Why
- Ghai said his own experience of rejection and Raj Kapoor’s success with Bobby shaped his belief in filmmaker-led cinema.
Filmmaker-Led Cinema
Star-Driven Commercial Cinema
Who should shape the film?
Filmmaker-Led Cinema
Subhash Ghai argues that the director should control the script and the film’s creative elements.
Star-Driven Commercial Cinema
Ghai said the commercial system increasingly emphasizes bankability, viewers, influencers and box-office performance.
Casting approach
Filmmaker-Led Cinema
Ghai believes newcomers can allow the story to develop around the character and bring hunger and humility.
Star-Driven Commercial Cinema
Using established or bankable stars can make commercial considerations central to the project, according to Ghai’s criticism of the system.
Evidence of success
Filmmaker-Led Cinema
Ghai points to Bobby and films such as Pardes as examples of newcomers succeeding in major roles.
Star-Driven Commercial Cinema
The articles note that star-oriented commerce remains influential in current filmmaking, though they do not provide a defense from industry representatives.
- Speaker
- Subhash Ghai
- Key example
- Raj Kapoor’s Bobby, starring newcomers Rishi Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia
- Ghai’s view
- He prefers newcomers who show hunger, humility and passion.
- Criticism
- Ghai said the star system can cause a script to revolve around the star.
- Industry concern
- He said bankability, viewers, influencers and box office considerations have taken over filmmaking.
- Upcoming project
- Ghai said the Taal 2 script is in development and may require newcomers.