Dev Anand’s brother Vijay Anand was an Indian filmmaker who delivered remarkable films like Guide, Teesri Manzil, Ram Balram and Jewel Thief. His stylish song picturization brought a revolution in the Indian film industry. “O Haseena Zulfonwali”, “Aaj Phir Jeene Ki Tamanna Hai” and “Honthon Mein Aisi Baat” were directed by Vijay Anand and they are some of the best visual treats till date. Vijay Anand was someone who didn’t only master the cinematic aspect of films but also understood the business aspect of it. He also observed the loopholes in the Indian film industry and talked about them during an exclusive interview with us.
In a throwback interview, Vijay Anand can be heard saying, “We call the Indian film industry the biggest industry in the world but we have 5 male stars, 5 female stars and 5 music directors. And we have a population of 100 cr. It’s a matter of shame. Why people are afraid to introduce new people? Every year there should be 10 new stars. We should have 100 stars. In Hollywood, every banner has 50 stars. And if we have one star, we get happy and then he has 40 films in the pipeline. And those films work till they are lucky. Freshness goes away very soon.”
Explaining further, he said: Fresh water must keep coming into a river. If the water gets stale, it begins stinking. Our industry is the industry of youth. We have youthful films and that’s why we have songs and dance in the films. In our industry, the span of an actress’s career is very small. People don’t like to see them after they hit a certain age. But in Hollywood, most people shine after 50. So, by the time people get experienced, they are out of the business in our film industry.
Years have passed and his observation of the industry being ruled by 5 stars still stands true. Vijay Anand died on 23 February 2004 due to a heart attack. He was aged 70.
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