Vidhu Vinod Chopra Charms IFFI with Wit and Creative Spark
Filmmaker revisits iconic films, shares memories and lessons at Goa festival
- Chopra and writer Abhijat Joshi engage in a candid filmmaking session at IFFI
- Director reflects on evolution from Parinda to 12th Fail
- Funny behind-the-scenes stories trigger cheers and applause
- 8K restored 1942: A Love Story showcased as a legacy tribute
GG News Bureau
Panaji, 22nd Nov: Renowned filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra brought a wave of laughter, nostalgia and filmmaking wisdom to the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, during an engaging “In Conversation” session titled Unscripted – The Art and Emotion of Filmmaking.
Sharing the stage with noted screenwriter Abhijat Joshi, Chopra captivated the packed hall with candid reflections on his craft, creative journey and decades of cinema that include celebrated titles like Parinda, Khamosh, 3 Idiots, Lage Raho Munna Bhai and 12th Fail.
The session opened with a felicitation by Dr Ajay Nagabhushan MN, Joint Secretary (Films), and film producer Ravi Kottarakkara, who praised Parinda as a turning point in Indian cinema.
Chopra spoke about how his films have mirrored his own personality over time.
“I was angry when I made Parinda. Today, I’m calmer,” he said, adding that 12th Fail stemmed from a desire to counter corruption and celebrate honesty.
He recalled being moved while watching the 8K restored version of 1942: A Love Story, saying it was a film he could never make today because he has evolved as a person.
The audience roared at Chopra’s humorous recollections—from writing scripts in small rented rooms and startling neighbours with loud rehearsals to actor Jackie Shroff mistakenly entering the wrong house during practice and politely handing a stranger flowers.
Chopra also reminisced about his creative partnership with legendary composer R.D. Burman, joking that calling initial tunes “nonsense” eventually pushed Burman to deliver the evergreen track “Kuch Na Kaho.”
A touching moment unfolded when Kamna Chandra, the 92-year-old writer of 1942: A Love Story, joined the stage, expressing pride after witnessing the newly-restored version.
The filmmaker credited his team for preserving his vision through modern restoration techniques, ensuring that a new generation witnesses the film the way it was originally imagined.
The event wrapped with a lively Q&A, leaving the audience visibly thrilled after an immersive journey through cinema, creativity and the enduring legacy of Vidhu Vinod Chopra.
Hosted from November 20–28, IFFI continues celebrating global filmmaking by bringing together masters, innovators and fresh voices under Goa’s vibrant cultural atmosphere.
