Subhash Ghai-Biography, Best Movies, Career, Age, Family, Awards.

Profile Summary

Table of Content

• Biography 

• Age  

• Education

• Family

• Career

• Best Movies By Subhash Ghai

• Career Timeline

• Net Worth

• Controversies 

• Awards

• Interesting Facts

Biography 

Subhash Ghai is a well-known Indian cinema director, producer, actor, lyricist, music director, and screenwriter who was born on January 24, 1945. He gained popularity in the 1980s and 1990s, becoming one of Hindi cinema's most successful filmmakers. Kalicharan (1976), Vishwanath (1978), Karz (1980), Hero (1983), Vidhaata (1982), Meri Jung (1985), Karma (1986), Ram Lakhan (1989), Saudagar (1991), Khalnayak (1993), Pardes (1997), and Taal (1999) are among his works.

Ghai was born in Nagpur, India, and received his bachelor's degree in business from Rohtak, Haryana. He then studied cinema at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune. Ghai began his acting career in Hindi cinema with minor roles in films such as Taqdeer (1967) and Aradhana (1969). With Kalicharan (1976), he made his directorial debut, and he has since written and directed 16 films.

Ghai worked with famed actor Dilip Kumar in films such as Vidhaata (1982), Karma (1986), and Saudagar (1991) in the 1980s and 1990s. He launched Jackie Shroff's career as a starring man with Hero (1983) and was instrumental in shaping Anil Kapoor's career with Meri Jung (1985). Ghai collaborated regularly with Shroff and Kapoor, casting them in films such as Karma (1986), Ram Lakhan (1989), and Trimurti (1995).Ghai founded Mukta Arts Private Limited in 1982, which went public in 2000. In 2006, he won the National Film Award for Best Film on Other Social Issues for his work on the social problem film Iqbal. He established the Whistling Woods International film and media institution in Mumbai the same year. Ghai received the IIFA Award for Outstanding Contribution to Indian Cinema in 2015.

Subhash Ghai now resides in Mumbai with his wife, Mukta Ghai, and their two daughters, Meghna Ghai Puri and Muskaan Ghai. 

Age 

Subhash Ghai was born on January 24, 1945, making him 78 years old as of 2023. His zodiac sign is Aquarius.

Education

Subhash Ghai, a well-known Indian cinema director, producer, and screenwriter, began his education in Delhi, where he finished secondary school. He then went to college at Rohtak, a city in the Indian state of Haryana.

Ghai decided to complete his education in filmmaking after realising his enthusiasm for the medium. He enrolled in the famed Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune, one of the country's top film schools.

Family 

Subhash Ghai is a well-known Indian film director, producer, and screenwriter who comes from a close-knit family. Mukta Ghai is his wife, and they have two kids, Meghna Ghai Puri and Muskaan Ghai. Meghna Ghai Puri is the President of Whistling Woods International, a Subhash Ghai-founded film, communication, and creative arts institute in Mumbai. Whistling Woods International is dedicated to teaching filmmaking skills such as direction, animation, cinematography, production, and acting.

Ghai’s father's name is K.D Ghai who was a dentist and mother’s name was Subhadra Ghai. He has a brother who is a well known Indian film producer and director, Ashok Ghai, noted for his works mainly in Bollywood cinema.

Career

Subhash Ghai, a well-known Indian film director, producer, and screenwriter, began his career after graduating from the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII). Ghai told Rajya Sabha TV that when he first arrived in Bombay, he struggled to join any studio due to his unknown position. To overcome this obstacle, he read self-help books such as Dale Carnegie's How to Win Friends and Influence People and used the skills to break into the film industry. He also competed in the United Producers Filmfare talent contest, where he was chosen alongside Rajesh Khanna and Dheeraj Kumar.

Ghai's Hindi film career began with minor roles in films such as Taqdeer (1967) and Aradhana (1969). He starred in Umang and Gumraah in the 1970s. His directorial debut was with the film Kalicharan (1976), which he got thanks to Shatrughan Sinha's suggestion. Ghai had written and directed a total of 16 films by 2016.

Ghai had a fruitful partnership with Dilip Kumar in the 1980s and 1990s, directing him in Vidhaata (1982), Karma (1986), and Saudagar (1991). Ghai won the Filmfare Award for Best Director for the later picture. He launched Jackie Shroff's career as a starring man in Hero (1983) and helped launch Anil Kapoor's burgeoning career in Meri Jung (1985). Ghai regularly collaborated with Shroff and Kapoor, casting them in films such as Karma (1986), Ram Lakhan (1989), and Trimurti (1995), the latter of which he produced and directed. 

Khalnayak, his 1993 film starring Sanjay Dutt, Madhuri Dixit, and Shroff, included hit songs like Nayak Nahin Khalnayak Hu Main and the controversial Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai. He directed the 1997 film Pardes, which starred Shahrukh Khan and newcomers Mahima Chaudhry and Apoorva Agnihotri. He directed Taal, a 1999 film starring Aishwarya Rai, Akshaye Khanna, and Anil Kapoor. Both Pardes and Taal were released abroad and were box office smashes. His subsequent films, Yaadein (2001) and Kisna (2005), however, were box office disappointments.

Ghai then stopped directing and began producing films such as Aitraaz (2004), Iqbal (2005), 36 China Town (2006), and Apna Sapna Money Money (2006). Whistling Woods International, his own film institute, was created in Mumbai in 2006. The institute teaches students about production, direction, cinematography, acting, and animation, among other things. Ghai has appeared in a few of his directorial projects as a cameo.

Ghai returned to directing after a three-year break in 2008 with Black & White and Yuvvraaj. Unfortunately, neither film did well at the box office. In an interview, A. R. Rahman said that Ghai had urged him to use the words Jai Ho! in a song, which led to Jai Ho! from Slumdog Millionaire winning the Academy Award for Best Original Song at the 81st Academy Awards.

Ghai revealed in May 2018 at the Cannes International Film Festival that he was co-producing a biography about Osho Rajneesh with an Italian production business. Lakshen Sucameli will direct the film. Subhash Ghai has made important contributions to the Indian cinema industry over the years, both as a filmmaker and through his film institution as a mentor to young artists.

Best Movies By Subhash Ghai

Khalnayak

Subhash Ghai directed and produced the Indian action-adventure crime film Khalnayak (1993). The film stars Sanjay Dutt, Madhuri Dixit, and Jackie Shroff in the key roles, with Anupam Kher, Raakhee, and Ramya Krishnan in supporting roles. The plot centres around the life of a criminal named Ballu, played by Sanjay Dutt, who escapes from jail and goes on a rampage, causing chaos in the police force. Ram, played by Jackie Shroff, is an honest and diligent police officer tasked with apprehending Ballu. Madhuri Dixit plays Ganga, Ram's girlfriend who goes underground to assist Ram in his pursuit of Ballu.

Several awards and nominations were given to the film, including Filmfare awards for Best Actor (Sanjay Dutt) and Best Female Playback Singer (Alka Yagnik and Ila Arun). Khalnayak was also India's official entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the 1994 Academy Awards, though it was not nominated.

Ram Lakhan

Subhash Ghai directed and Ashok Ghai produced the blockbuster Bollywood film Ram Lakhan (1989). The film stars Anil Kapoor, Jackie Shroff, Madhuri Dixit, Dimple Kapadia, Raakhee, and Amrish Puri in an ensemble cast. The film is a traditional family drama that combines aspects of action, comedy, and romance to create an interesting and engaging viewing experience for audiences.

After their father is murdered by his own brother and his cronies, two brothers, Ram (played by Jackie Shroff) and Lakhan (played by Anil Kapoor), are raised by their widowed mother, Sharda (played by Raakhee). Ram is a trustworthy police officer, whereas Lakhan is a carefree, fun-loving young guy who aspires to be wealthy and successful. 

The film was a major box office success and received several awards and nominations. Anil Kapoor's performance as Lakhan earned him a Filmfare nomination for Best Actor, while Madhuri Dixit won the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Radha, Ram's love interest.

Karz

PlaySubhash Ghai directed Karz (1980), which was produced by Akhtar Farooqui and Jagjit Khurana. The film's primary actors are Rishi Kapoor, Tina Munim, and Simi Garewal, with an amazing supporting cast that includes Pran, Premnath, and Raj Kiran. Karz is noted for its unforgettable tunes as well as a compelling tale centred on the subject of rebirth.

The plot centres around Ravi Verma, a wealthy businessman who is murdered for his property by his wife Kamini. Ravi is then resurrected as Monty, a brilliant singer who has flashbacks to his previous existence. Monty embarks on a quest for justice as he unravels the mysteries of his prior life, hoping to avenge Ravi's death and expose Kamini.

Karz was well-received by critics and spectators alike, and its success cemented Subhash Ghai's reputation as a talented director in the Indian cinema industry. The film's compelling tale, dramatic acting, and evocative soundtrack have made it a Bollywood cinema classic, with its influence still felt in popular culture and current films that tackle similar subjects today.

Pardes

Subhash Ghai directed and produced the 1997 Bollywood drama film Pardes. Shahrukh Khan, Mahima Chaudhry, and Apoorva Agnihotri play the key roles in the film. Pardes examines the cultural differences between India and the United States via the lens of a love story, emphasising the importance of traditional values and the difficulties that immigrants confront when adjusting to a new country.

Kishorilal, played by Amrish Puri, is a wealthy Indian businessman living in the United States who wishes for his Americanized son, Rajiv, played by Apoorva Agnihotri, to marry an Indian lady, Ganga, played by Mahima Chaudhry. Kishorilal sends his foster son, Arjun (Shahrukh Khan), to India to find Rajiv a suitable bride.

The film was a commercial success and received several awards and nominations. Mahima Chaudhry won the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut for her portrayal of Ganga, while Shahrukh Khan's performance as Arjun was praised for its sincerity and depth.

Taal 

PlayTaal is a 1999 romantic musical drama directed by Subhash Ghai and starring Aishwarya Rai, Anil Kapoor, and Akshaye Khanna. The film is set in the Indian music industry and tackles themes of love, ambition, and the conflict of old and modern ideals.

Mansi, a gifted singer from a rural village, is followed on her road to recognition and success. She falls in love with Manav, the son of a wealthy businessman, but their relationship is put to the test when Mansi's career takes off under the direction of music director Vikrant, who falls in love with her as well. 

One of the most notable aspects of Taal is its soulful and mesmerising soundtrack, composed by A.R. Rahman and featuring lyrics by Anand Bakshi. The film's songs, such as Taal Se Taal Mila, Ishq Bina, and Nahin Samne, were immensely popular and are still considered classics in the Indian music industry.

Career Timeline

Net Worth

The famous Director Subhash Ghai’s net worth is $1-5 Million at the age of 74 years old. He earned the money being a professional Director.

Controversies 

• Subhash Ghai, a well-known Indian film director, producer, and screenwriter, has been involved in a few controversies over his career. An anonymous lady accused him of sexual assault in 2018. The victim, a former Subhash Ghai aide, claimed that he raped her. Ghai firmly denied the charges and advised going to court.

• Another controversy involved Bollywood actor Salman Khan, who reportedly hit Subhash Ghai during an altercation. The two later reconciled, and Salman Khan was forced to apologise the next day.
  

Awards

• 1992: Filmfare Awards - Best Director - Saudagar

• 1998: Filmfare Awards - Best Screenplay - Pardes

• 2022: Filmfare Awards - Lifetime Achievement Award

• 2006: National Awards - Best Film on Other Social Issues - Iqbal

• 2015: IIFA Awards - Lifetime Achievement Award

• 2017: Screen Awards - Lifetime Achievement Award

• 2018: Economic Times-Edge - Iconic Brand of Indian Cinema

• 2019: 1st Diorama International Film Festival & Market - Lifetime Achievement Award

• 2022: The FilmFare Award - Lifetime Achievement Award

Interesting Facts

• Subhash Ghai is an alumnus of the prestigious Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, where he studied acting.

• Ghai started his career as an actor in the 1970 film Umang but later shifted his focus to directing and producing films.

• He is the founder of Mukta Arts, one of India's leading film production companies, which he established in 1982.

• Subhash Ghai has launched and mentored the careers of several Bollywood stars, including Jackie Shroff, Anil Kapoor, and Manisha Koirala.

• In 2006, he founded Whistling Woods International, a film, communication, and media arts institute in Mumbai, which has become one of the top film schools in Asia.