Mumbai, Nov 16 (NationPress) Renowned director Subhash Ghai has expressed his discontent with the ongoing comparisons between Bollywood and Hollywood.

He described such comparisons as a disrespect to the icons of Hindi cinema, including Dadasaheb Phalke, Guru Dutt, Mehboob Khan, and Shantaram. In a recent Instagram update, Subhash highlighted that Indian cinema, across all languages, warrants admiration for its distinct art, cultural heritage, and storytelling traditions.

Recently, he shared a picture from the Jagran Film Festival on Instagram, noting with enthusiasm, “I was thrilled to see the backdrop of the Jagran Film Festival featuring both the Punjab Film Industry and Assam Film Industry alongside Polywood and Hollywood.” (sic).

He further noted, “Labeling Bollywood as a 'copyist of Hollywood' is a covert insult to every talent in the regional film industry. Bollywood itself implies a 'copyist of Hollywood,' which undermines our treasured Hindi cinema culture represented by Phalke Saab, Guru Dutt, Mehboob Khan, Shantaram, and other legends. Each language of Indian cinema deserves to be celebrated for its own artistic expression and culture. LET’S DISCUSS THIS IN DIFFERENT FORUMS TO RECLAIM OUR DIGNITY. Thank you.” (sic)

Subhash Ghai is celebrated as one of the most influential Hindi filmmakers from the 1980s and 1990s, known for delivering numerous iconic films such as “Kalicharan,” “Vishwanath,” “Karz,” “Krodhi,” “Hero,” “Vidhaata,” “Meri Jung,” “Karma,” “Ram Lakhan,” “Saudagar,” “Khalnayak,” “Pardes,” and “Taal.”

He embarked on his journey in Hindi cinema with minor acting roles in films like “Taqdeer” and “Aradhana.” Later, he took on lead roles in films such as “Umang” and “Gumraah.” His directorial debut was the action-thriller “Kalicharan,” a project he secured through a recommendation from Shatrughan Sinha.

This year, Subhash Ghai announced the end of his hiatus by revealing his next film, where actor Riteish Deshmukh will take the lead. He shared a photo of Riteish from 'Apna Sapna Money Money' dressed as a woman, captioning the post, “She is our next heroine in our upcoming film under Mukta Arts. A classic beauty. Can you guess the name of this lovely girl? Please do share your thoughts.”