Veteran director Subhash Ghai has criticized the practice of labeling the Indian film industry with Hollywood-inspired names, arguing that such terminology disrespects pioneering figures including Dadasaheb Phalke, Guru Dutt, Mehboob Khan and V Shantaram. The filmmaker expressed particular concern about the term Bollywood, which he characterized as suggesting Hindi cinema merely imitates Western productions rather than representing distinct artistic traditions.
Ghai made his remarks after observing promotional materials at the Jagran Film Festival that referred to the Punjab and Assam film industries as Pollywood and Aollywood. The director, whose career spans acclaimed productions including Karz, Hero, Ram Lakhan and Taal, urged industry forums to address what he considers an erosion of cultural dignity within regional filmmaking communities.
The filmmaker recently emerged from a professional hiatus by announcing a project featuring actor Riteish Deshmukh in the lead role under the Mukta Arts banner.
Ghai made his remarks after observing promotional materials at the Jagran Film Festival that referred to the Punjab and Assam film industries as Pollywood and Aollywood. The director, whose career spans acclaimed productions including Karz, Hero, Ram Lakhan and Taal, urged industry forums to address what he considers an erosion of cultural dignity within regional filmmaking communities.
The filmmaker recently emerged from a professional hiatus by announcing a project featuring actor Riteish Deshmukh in the lead role under the Mukta Arts banner.
