What Did Siddharth P. Malhotra Say About Aditya Chopra’s Emotional Support During ‘Maharaj’?

Mumbai, July 9 (NationPress) Filmmaker Siddharth P. Malhotra has revealed the significant emotional support he received from Aditya Chopra while working on the film “Maharaj.”

In a conversation with IANS, Malhotra expressed that Chopra’s faith and encouragement were instrumental in keeping him motivated during tough times. He reflected on his resilience throughout the years, especially during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. He attributed much of his perseverance to Aditya Chopra, who has been a mentor and a key figure in the film’s production.

He recalled, “There were instances when I felt despondent, particularly during the two years of COVID. However, my family—my parents, my wife, my kids, and even my dog Simba—helped me stay grounded. Junaid feels like a son to me, and together we supported each other through those times.”

“When Aditya Chopra, my mentor and the reason behind this film, viewed it, he sent me a letter saying, ‘I’m proud of you.’ That was my first genuine reward. After watching the final cut, he reiterated that I had crafted a large-scale, impactful film that would elevate my status as a director. Netflix also praised Maharaj, confirming that we had created something special. I am grateful it has finally reached audiences, and for those who haven’t watched it yet, I urge you to do so,” he added.

Siddharth P. Malhotra also discussed the difficulties he encountered while introducing Junaid Khan. He disclosed that despite having a comprehensive 21 to 22-day marketing strategy, it was not executed as planned.

“We had an entire promotional plan mapped out. A full 21 to 22-day marketing strategy was prepared, but it did not unfold as intended—no interviews, no media support from Aamir Khan, Netflix, or YRF,” Siddharth explained. He acknowledged that the unconventional release strategy was not by design and described the experience as “heartbreaking.” Nonetheless, he maintained his support for the team’s decision, affirming, “We believed in the film.”

Reflecting on his ability to remain hopeful despite delays due to COVID-19 and the controversies surrounding the film’s release, Siddharth recognized moments of uncertainty. “There are times when you can lose hope. But your family, friends, and team are there to remind you of your purpose,” he said.

The historical drama, released in 2024, marked Aamir Khan’s son Junaid Khan’s acting debut and also starred Jaideep Ahlawat, Shalini Pandey, and Sharvari. Based on the Maharaj Libel Case of 1862 and inspired by Saurabh Shah's novel, this thriller debuted on June 21, 2024, on Netflix.