He defined romance for an entire generation with Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge in 1995. Filmmaker Aditya Chopra, who turns 47 on Monday, went on to direct three more films but it is indeed as a producer that he is recognised today. That, and his eye for talent. He has given a break to many a newcomer who has gone on to become a star.
As Karan Johar, the filmmaker’s close friend, has commented in the past, he had tried to dissuade Aditya from making films with newcomers such as Anushka Sharma thinking they were not suited for the industry. Aditya, however, didn’t budge and the rest is history.
Here’s a look at all the major stars Aditya has ‘found’ in the recent past:
Ranveer Singh
Perhaps the most versatile talents of the industry today, Ranveer Singh got a break in Aditya’s Band Baja Baarat (2010). Maneesh Sharma directed the film. Ranveer has not only improved and impressed fans and critics alike with every new film, he has also carved a niche for himself and perhaps no one can match his energy and uninhibited attitude not just in front of the camera but even off screen! Aditya also directed Ranveer in Befikre.
Anushka Sharma
Anushka’s debut film was also directed by Aditya, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (2008) in which she was cast opposite Shah Rukh Khan. In an interview with Rajeev Masand, when Karan was asked about it, he said, “I tried really hard. I told Aditya Chopra not to cast her. He showed me pics of Anushka Sharma and all and I was like ‘Are you mad? What are you thinking? During Rab Ne also... she was sitting as a Dulhan and that was her first shot and my mother was feeling bad.. she came and told me ‘This poor girl seems lost’ . And I was thinking ‘Oh god, I will have to be nice to her and poor thing she doesn’t know there is no career left after this’. I was shocked Adi wanted to cast her. I used to stare at her thinking what did Adi see in her. But when I saw the film, she was okay. But what blew my mind was Band Baaja Baarat.”
Anushka Sharma
Anushka’s debut film was also directed by Aditya, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (2008) in which she was cast opposite Shah Rukh Khan. In an interview with Rajeev Masand, when Karan was asked about it, he said, “I tried really hard. I told Aditya Chopra not to cast her. He showed me pics of Anushka Sharma and all and I was like ‘Are you mad? What are you thinking? During Rab Ne also... she was sitting as a Dulhan and that was her first shot and my mother was feeling bad.. she came and told me ‘This poor girl seems lost’ . And I was thinking ‘Oh god, I will have to be nice to her and poor thing she doesn’t know there is no career left after this’. I was shocked Adi wanted to cast her. I used to stare at her thinking what did Adi see in her. But when I saw the film, she was okay. But what blew my mind was Band Baaja Baarat.”
Arjun Kapoor
With the 2012 surprise hit Ishaqzaade, Arjun emerged as the new age star who manages to bring in the moolah for his producer. The film was directed by Habib Faisal and also starred Parineeti Chopra.
Parineeti Chopra
She was known as Priyanka Chopra’s cousin when the Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl (2011) released. However, her bubbly presence and charming performances won over fans.
Bhumi Pednekar
YRF produced yet another surprise hit with Ayushmann Khuranna’s Dum Laga Ke Haisha and the film marked Bhumi’s entry in Bollywood as an actor. She has since featured in several films where she mostly essays roles of rebellious women who fight for their rights.
Vaani Kapoor
Vaani made her Bollywood debut with Shuddh Desi Romance (2013). Vani has not featured in many films since her debut but will soon be seen alongside Ranbir Kapoor and Sanjay Dutt in Shamshera.
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