The legendary ‘Showman’ of Hindi cinema, Subhash Ghai has inspired generations with his larger-than-life films. He and his daughter, Meghna Ghai Puri, with her insight and contemporary vision, share a fatherdaughter bond that is anchored in trust, warmth and creativity. This drives both their family journey and Whistling Woods International.
By Andrea CostaBir
Subhash Ghai’s journey through Hindi cinema has been defined by passion, scale, music and storytelling that resonates across generations. Beyond the screen, he has built a legacy rooted in integrity, purpose and mentorship. Meghna Ghai Puri, learning from him while carving her own path, has become a visionary leader, balancing contemporary ideas with her father’s experience. Their personal bond — marked by mutual respect, warmth, and a deep understanding of each other — has shaped not only Whistling Woods International but also their shared life. In this candid interview, they reflect on cinema, creativity, leadership and the unique equation that makes their collaboration and family ties extraordinary.
Excerpts from the interview…
Mr Ghai, your career spans some of Hindi cinema’s most iconic and successful films — ‘Karz’, ‘Hero’, ‘Karma’, ‘Ram Lakhan’, ‘Saudagar’, and ‘Taal’. Looking back, what defined your years as a filmmaker at the peak of your commercial and creative success?
It was an unwavering passion and relentless drive to achieve excellence in filmmaking that defined those years. The journey has been exhilarating, constantly balancing commercial storytelling with aesthetic cinema. Financial success was never my primary motivation. Instead, I focused on creating meaningful films across diverse genres, crafting cinema that resonated rather than simply producing projects for distributors. I was fortunate to earn the respect and trust of my cast and crew, who believed in the clarity of vision I brought to each film.
You’ve often been called the ‘Showman’ of Hindi cinema for blending music, emotion, scale, and social themes. How did you consciously develop that signature style?
In a competitive landscape filled with talented filmmakers, distinguishing yourself requires a unique narrative voice. For me, music and nuanced characterisation became powerful storytelling tools. These elements allowed me to create films that not only entertained, but also left a lasting impression on audiences.
At the height of your filmmaking success, you chose to invest time and energy into building Whistling Woods International. What prompted that shift from creating films to creating an institution for future filmmakers and film industry personnel?
This was a conscious decision, and one I am deeply proud of. My mother instilled in me a profound truth: Genuine success lies not in what we accumulate for ourselves, but in what we contribute to nation building. True legacy is not measured by the wealth we leave our children, but by the knowledge, expertise and opportunities we share with the children of our nation. Guided by this philosophy, I chose to establish a world class film and creative arts institution in Mumbai, built on international standards and unwavering integrity, rather than merely expanding my commercial ventures.
As a father, what values did you consciously try to instil in Meghna while she was growing up — especially having witnessed the pressures and unpredictability of the film industry?
Every industry faces unpredictability; it is not unique to cinema. I raised Meghna with two fundamental principles: Righteousness as her dharma and honesty coupled with hard work as her karma, regardless of the path she chooses. I taught her that success achieved through these values comes with dignity and sustains itself through life’s inevitable challenges. Watching her build Whistling Woods into an institution of the highest educational standards fills me with immense pride. She has proven that these principles lead to meaningful, lasting success.
After decades in cinema and education, you are now planning to launch a new film. What excites you about returning to filmmaking at this stage of your life?
Change excites me. It always has. The evolution in storytelling techniques, the transformation of audience sensibilities, the shifting dynamics of the business — these changes invigorate and challenge me. Just as I dared to make ‘Karz’ in 1980, I continue to pursue filmmaking on my own terms today. However, I will never create a mere commercial project that compromises my storytelling integrity or artistic vision. My commitment remains to the craft, not to market formulas.
Creative vision and institutional growth don’t always align seamlessly. When the two of you disagree, how do you arrive at decisions while respecting both experience and contemporary thinking?
My management, faculty, and academic team serve as invaluable bridges to understanding Gen Z students — their evolving interests, perspectives, and aspirations. There is mutual respect: They honor my foundational principles, and I embrace their insights on contemporary education. In 2026, this collaboration will manifest as WWI 2.0, a significant evolution in our teaching methodologies and educational philosophy. We are cultivating students as creative professionals first, while ensuring they master emerging technologies. They must become masters of AI and other innovations, using these tools to amplify their creativity rather than becoming subservient to technology.
Looking ahead, what do you hope the Ghai family’s journey represents — not just in terms of hit films or a successful institution, but as a shared legacy built across generations?
Our WWI alumni have become our family. My hope is that they excel in their respective arts and crafts, and through their work, reintroduce the world to India’s ancient wisdom and rich storytelling traditions. I envision them positioning India as a global beacon of both knowledge and innovation (Gyaan and Vigyaan) — a civilization where tradition and progress coexist harmoniously. This is the legacy I hope we are building together across generations.
Meghna, when you began working with your father at Whistling Woods, what were the early years like — learning from someone who had already achieved legendary success in cinema?
The early years were transformative and profoundly inspiring. Working alongside my father meant learning from someone whose creative vision had shaped an entire generation of Indian cinema. His approach to storytelling, his meticulous attention to detail, and his unwavering commitment to excellence became my foundational lessons. What struck me most was his ability to balance artistic integrity with practical execution — a skill that has become invaluable in building Whistling Woods. Those formative years taught me that true leadership lies not in resting on past achievements, but in continuously evolving and sharing knowledge with the next generation.
How and when did the decision to work together as a professional team take shape, and how has that partnership evolved over the years you’ve spent building Whistling Woods side-by-side?
My father had established Whistling Woods with a clear mission: To create an institution of international standards that would nurture India’s creative talent. As I became more involved, I recognized the extraordinary opportunity to contribute to this vision while bringing contemporary perspectives to our educational approach. Over the years, our partnership has evolved into a dynamic balance – his decades of industry experience combined with my focus on institutional growth. We challenge each other, learn from each other, and ultimately strengthen the institution through this collaborative leadership. It has been a privilege to build this legacy together.
What are the most important lessons — professional and personal — that you’ve learnt from your father while working closely with him?
The most profound lesson has been about integrity and purpose. My father taught me that success without dignity is hollow, and that true achievement lies in empowering others. Professionally, I have learned the importance of clarity of vision – knowing exactly what you want to create and having the courage to pursue it without compromise. He demonstrated that leadership requires both conviction and adaptability, the wisdom to hold firm on principles while remaining open to evolution. Perhaps most significantly, he showed me that the greatest legacy we can leave is not measured in accolades or financial success, but in the lives we transform and the knowledge we share.
Your mother’s influence is often spoken about with warmth. What teachings or values from her continue to guide you in leadership, family life, and decision-making today?
My mother’s influence has been the moral compass guiding every aspect of my life. She exemplifies grace under pressure, compassion in leadership, and the strength that comes from quiet dignity. She believed deeply in the power of education to transform lives and communities. In my leadership role, I carry forward her values of empathy, inclusivity, and genuine care for those we serve. In family life and decision-making, her wisdom reminds me that our choices should always reflect our highest values, and that nurturing relationships and building character are as important as professional achievements.
Family life often brings balance to demanding careers. How do your relationships at home shape perspectives, priorities, and boundaries around work?
Family provides essential grounding and perspective. My relationships at home remind me daily of what truly matters. My relationships have taught me to set meaningful boundaries, ensuring that while I am deeply committed to Whistling Woods International, I remain equally present for my family. This balance has actually enhanced my leadership. The patience, empathy, and long-term thinking required in family life translate directly into how I approach institutional leadership and mentorship. My family keeps me anchored in purpose beyond professional achievement, reminding me that our work at Whistling Woods International is ultimately about enriching lives and strengthening communities.
Meghna, balancing leadership at Whistling Woods with marriage and motherhood is a reality many women relate to. How has this phase of your life influenced your approach to work and responsibility?
Motherhood has profoundly deepened my understanding of education and leadership. It has made me more empathetic to the journey of learning, more patient with the process of growth, and more committed to creating environments where individuals can flourish. Balancing these roles has taught me the art of prioritisation and the importance of building strong, reliable teams. I have learned that effective leadership is about creating systems and cultures that empower others to excel. This phase has also reinforced my commitment to making Whistling Woods International an institution that values work-life integration and supports women in creative leadership roles. I want our students, particularly young women, to see that they need not choose between professional excellence and personal fulfillment — they can pursue both with intention and support. My journey as a daughter, mother, wife, and institutional leader has made me a more complete, compassionate, and purposeful professional.
Rapid Fire | Subhash Ghai
One film that still makes you smile?
‘Karz’ because in 1980 it was declared a flop, now it is our prime film!
Music, drama or spectacle — which do you love most on set?
Drama and music.
Funniest thing that ever happened while shooting?
During an action sequence, my character Lakhan got so passionately involved in the scene that he unintentionally beat his co-actor.
Showman or storyteller — which title fits you better?
Storyteller… since my childhood.
One thing about filmmaking that still gives you goosebumps?
Visualising and creating an unscripted song on set, mid-shoot.
Rapid Fire | Meghna Ghai Puri
Best advice from Dad that you secretly follow?
“Zindagi har kadam ek nayi jung hai. Jeet jaayenge hum tu agar sung hai.”
Mom’s life lesson you can’t forget?
Her conduct as a woman of dignity, integrity and empathy. A lesson she teaches me through her actions, not just words.
Working with Dad — funniest moment at Whistling Woods?
What I find funny is that students are relaxed around him but afraid of me. I am the disciplinarian on this ground.
Your go-to method to relax after a busy day?
Spending time with my family and my Buddhist practice.
If Whistling Woods was a person, how would you describe it in one word? Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!
