From collecting scrap to buy a ticket for ‘Sholay’ to producing some of Bollywood’s most-loved films like ‘Tanu Weds Manu’, Vinod Bachchan reflects on storytelling, struggle, and the enduring magic of cinema, says Nichola Marie.
You’ve often spoken about coming from “the land of many stories.” What were the earliest influences that shaped your love for cinema and storytelling?
I come from a small village in Uttar Pradesh, where storytelling was deeply woven into community life. Though we had no cinema halls or theatres, we grew up watching RamLeela performances that brought entire villages together. The emotion, devotion, and collective joy of those gatherings left a lasting impression on me.
My introduction to cinema came through ‘Sholay’, the first film I watched on the big screen. At the time, even 75 paise for a ticket felt impossible to arrange. I collected and sold scrap from around the village just to buy that one ticket. But the moment I sat in the theatre and watched the film unfold, it felt as though a completely new world had opened before me.
That sense of wonder never left. It sparked my lifelong love for cinema and my belief that India, with its immense diversity, cultures, traditions, and emotions, holds an endless wealth of stories waiting to be told.
Before becoming a producer, what were some of the biggest struggles and realities you faced while trying to find your place in the Hindi film industry?
Coming to Mumbai with no connections or support system, the biggest challenge is survival itself. When I arrived at 15, even basics like shelter, food, and stability were uncertain. But the Hindi film industry also rewards hard work, honesty, and perseverance. I began from the ground up, working as a spot boy and assisting across multiple departments. Over the years, I worked on more than 40 films as an assistant, and those sets became my real film school, teaching me the craft, discipline, and process of filmmaking. There was also a period when I worked in property consultation simply to support myself financially.
What inspired you to establish Soundrya Production?
The journey of building Soundrya Production came from my own experiences of aspiration, struggles and survival in the city. Along the way, I met many incredibly talented people who came from backgrounds similar to mine. People with immense passion for storytelling, but without access, opportunities, or the right platform to showcase their abilities. That stayed with me deeply. When I decided to establish the production house, one of my biggest intentions was to create an environment that not only makes films, but also supports talent and gives people an opportunity to fulfil their creative dreams. I have always believed that cinema is a collective effort, and many deserving voices simply need someone to believe in them. Creatively, I also felt there was space for more stories rooted in the heartland of India, stories that feel relatable, emotionally honest, and connected to the everyday lives of people around us. India has such rich cultural diversity and human experiences, and I wanted our films to reflect that warmth, simplicity, and emotional authenticity in a contemporary way.
In an industry often driven by formulas and star power, how do you decide which stories are worth taking a risk on?
In cinema, there can never really be a fixed formula for success because audiences evolve constantly and every film carries its own individuality. Whenever I listen to a narration, my first instinct is always emotional and honest. If a story is able to draw me into its world, move me, or genuinely entertain me, that is usually the first sign that it has something special. For me, content and emotional connection always come first because audiences ultimately connect with sincerity in storytelling. At the same time, filmmaking is also a business, so once that emotional instinct is there, you have to evaluate practical aspects like the budget, the right team, and the best platform for the film. It is always a balance between instinct and practicality, but the starting point is always the same: The story itself must speak to you.
‘Tanu Weds Manu’ remains one of your most loved productions. At what point did you realise the film had struck an emotional chord with audiences?
What truly drew me to ‘Tanu Weds Manu’ were its characters. From the very first narration, they felt incredibly alive, relatable, and emotionally honest. The world of the film reminded me of people and relationships I had seen and experienced while growing up – flawed, emotional, funny, unpredictable, yet deeply human. As I went through the story, I found myself laughing with the characters, feeling their emotions, and becoming completely invested in their journey. That relatability, combined with the entertainment value of the writing, made the film feel very special from the beginning itself. I also believe a lot of that magic came from Aanand L Rai’s vision. The way he saw these characters and their world was extremely unique and heartfelt. His storytelling had warmth, humour, and emotional depth in equal measure, and that really excited me as a producer. Of course, in filmmaking, you never truly know how audiences will respond once a film is released. But while making the film, there was genuine honesty and warmth in the storytelling that all of us could feel. And when audiences finally embraced the film and connected so deeply with the characters, it was extremely gratifying for the entire team.
Your filmography ranges from romance and comedy to darker, more intense narratives. How important is versatility to you as a producer?
India is an incredibly diverse country, and our audiences are equally varied in their tastes and sensibilities. I believe there is an audience for every kind of story, regardless of genre, as long as the storytelling feels honest and emotionally engaging. For me, whether it is romance, comedy, thriller, drama, or horror, every genre ultimately explores human emotions in its own way. At the core of every film is an emotional truth, and that is what I respond to most as a producer. As a production house, we enjoy exploring different genres while maintaining authenticity in storytelling. I feel versatility keeps you creatively alive and helps you connect with audiences in meaningful ways.
Bollywood has undergone massive changes with streaming platforms, evolving audiences, and content-driven cinema. How do you view this transition?
Cinema as an art form has always evolved with time. New mediums, technologies, and storytelling formats continue to reshape the way audiences consume content, and as filmmakers, we learn to adapt and grow with these changes. What remains constant, however, is the audience’s connection to a good story and honest emotions. Streaming platforms have opened up an entirely new avenue for filmmakers to reach viewers across geographies and demographics. Stories and voices that may not have found space earlier now have the opportunity to connect with audiences directly. At the same time, theatrical cinema continues to hold its larger-than-life collective experience. For me, it’s an exciting phase because it allows creators to explore fresher narratives, experiment with formats, and tell stories with greater authenticity and diversity.
Over the years, what have you learnt about balancing creativity with the business side of filmmaking?
Filmmaking is a collective and expensive art form. Over the years, I’ve learnt that having a strong commercial understanding along with a sharp creative instinct is crucial in this profession. Filmmaking requires a fine balance between art and commerce, heart and mind. A team that understands and drives both aspects well becomes essential in taking a story from script to its final audience successfully.
Every successful producer has faced failures, setbacks, or moments of self-doubt. What were some of the most defining lessons in your own journey?
You know, the kind of struggle and background I come from, being able to do what I do today once felt like something I could only dream of. I feel extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with such amazing stars and talented people across the industry. More than anything, I carry a lot of gratitude in my heart, and I hope to continue doing this for as long as I can with the support of the industry and the audience. As an independent producer, there are always challenges because the industry is constantly evolving. There have been setbacks, including financial ones, but I believe that is part of the profession. Every challenge teaches you patience and belief in your vision. At the end of the day, as long as the audience continues to connect with and support the stories we create, we will continue doing what we know best – that is, making cinema.
