Decoding Bollywood, a new book by author Sonia Golani, takes readers through the lives of 15 Hindi filmmakers, including Mahesh Bhatt, R. Balakrishnan and Anurag Basu.
The book will be launched in Mumbai on Thursday in the presence of Farah Khan and Kunal Kohli. The author has also referred to these actors in the book.
Others referenced in the book are 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. They have spoken about their experiences, struggles and observations in the film world.
For example, Khan who made Kabul Express, produced by Yash Raj Films, said he had 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 shared.
Outspoken choreographer-filmmaker Farah 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. In retrospect, I feel they were better than these new age managers who brainwash actresses,” she said.
Bhatt, whose production banner Vishesh Films backs new talent in the industry, recounted how he began his journey in filmdom.
Priced at Rs250 (Dh15), 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 Corporate Divas.
