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Unscripted: Conversations on Life and Cinema
Starting in Wazir Bagh, a small mohalla in Kashmir, Vidhu Vinod Chopra's life has been well and truly unscripted. Over the last thirty years, he has blazed a trail in Hindi cinema-even going on to direct a film in Hollywood. From someone who once released his student film though it was incomplete, because he ran out of money and film stock, he now has the distinction of heading one of the key production houses in India, VVC Films. The company has made some of the biggest blockbusters in recent times. Not only is he a film-maker par excellence, but he has also nurtured some of the brightest talents in the Hindi film industry, including directors Rajkumar Hirani, Pradeep Sarkar and Sanjay Leela Bhansali.In Unscripted, Vidhu Vinod Chopra speaks to his long-time collaborator and scriptwriter Abhijat Joshi about his exceptional journey. Engaging and illuminating, the book provides a glimpse into the mind, method and madness of one of contemporary Hindi cinema's best film-makers.
- GenresBiographyNonfiction
218 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 9, 2021
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111 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 15, 2023
It was an absolute page turner. It's been long since I have read a book in more or less a single stretch. There is special term called dolphin/whale moments and it was lovely to see so many of those throughout the life of Vidhu Vinod Chopra. The Oscar nomination or visa interview or even the tussle with LK Advani were outlandishly crazy stories.
I loved the little life lessons which kept flowing throughout the conversations. Abhijat Joshi did a tremendous job in curating this and making it coherent. I mean ofcourse these are some of the finest storytellers India has seen. The one thing which I will remember is " You have to know a lot to know how little you know". So the striving for excellence continues and it shall be only onwards and upwards.
One of the personal stories which connected with me a lot is stealing money from God's piggy bank/container. Being a non believer I knew it's of no significance whether I steal some money or not without the knowledge of others. But there was this sense of guilt always because a feeling of betrayal kicks in. The guilt came from betraying the trust of your parents and specially in my case it would be my father. I must admit that I used to give a part of that money to less fortunate people because for a young child that was the coping strategy.
There are so many instances in the book which makes you just sit in awe and amazement. The parting lessons for me would be to somehow protect the child like qualities even when the drudgeries of life overwhelm you. The inherent goodness and the everlasting curiosity is probably the traits one would prefer to keep and nurture.
I loved the little life lessons which kept flowing throughout the conversations. Abhijat Joshi did a tremendous job in curating this and making it coherent. I mean ofcourse these are some of the finest storytellers India has seen. The one thing which I will remember is " You have to know a lot to know how little you know". So the striving for excellence continues and it shall be only onwards and upwards.
One of the personal stories which connected with me a lot is stealing money from God's piggy bank/container. Being a non believer I knew it's of no significance whether I steal some money or not without the knowledge of others. But there was this sense of guilt always because a feeling of betrayal kicks in. The guilt came from betraying the trust of your parents and specially in my case it would be my father. I must admit that I used to give a part of that money to less fortunate people because for a young child that was the coping strategy.
There are so many instances in the book which makes you just sit in awe and amazement. The parting lessons for me would be to somehow protect the child like qualities even when the drudgeries of life overwhelm you. The inherent goodness and the everlasting curiosity is probably the traits one would prefer to keep and nurture.
January 28, 2024
Some inspiring stories from the life of the director-cum-producer. But this could've been a YouTube video (or let's just say an email!)
February 9, 2021
Unscripted by Vidhu Vinod Chopra with Abhijat Joshi is a book in which he talks about his exceptional journey as a film marker in Indian cinema. Helps us get insights into Production & Direction in film industry.
The book starts with VVC's journey from Wazid Bagh, a small mohalla in Kashmir. It's about how he has also worked and nurtured scriptwriter, Abhijat Joshi. Parinda was the film that actually helped VVC in boosting his career.
We get to see him talk about some of his early works as well as some actors he has worked with, like Anil Kapoor, Madhuri Dixit, Dilip Kumar, etc. We also get to read about some insights into his marriage life.
We also get to see some his childhood pictures along with his parents, some of the awards he won, with Amitabh Bachchan during the shoot of Eklavya, his best film 3 idiots, etc. The entire book is narrated in a dialogical form.
The book starts with VVC's journey from Wazid Bagh, a small mohalla in Kashmir. It's about how he has also worked and nurtured scriptwriter, Abhijat Joshi. Parinda was the film that actually helped VVC in boosting his career.
We get to see him talk about some of his early works as well as some actors he has worked with, like Anil Kapoor, Madhuri Dixit, Dilip Kumar, etc. We also get to read about some insights into his marriage life.
We also get to see some his childhood pictures along with his parents, some of the awards he won, with Amitabh Bachchan during the shoot of Eklavya, his best film 3 idiots, etc. The entire book is narrated in a dialogical form.
February 27, 2021
A book to remember
You must have encountered problems and came up with your own solutions.This book is a journey of a common man to and his will to become stalwart.
As his films says " Excellence ko chase karo kamyabi jhak marke pichay aayegi."
An amazing read and lot to take from it.
Just like his films this book is a binge reading stuff. Once you pick it up you will never settled until you finish it up.Great job done by Nasreen Munni kabir, Abhijat Joshi and Offcourse Vidhu Vinod Chopra to share his lovely life and inspiring Journalists and Writers like me.
You must have encountered problems and came up with your own solutions.This book is a journey of a common man to and his will to become stalwart.
As his films says " Excellence ko chase karo kamyabi jhak marke pichay aayegi."
An amazing read and lot to take from it.
Just like his films this book is a binge reading stuff. Once you pick it up you will never settled until you finish it up.Great job done by Nasreen Munni kabir, Abhijat Joshi and Offcourse Vidhu Vinod Chopra to share his lovely life and inspiring Journalists and Writers like me.
April 26, 2021
Vidhu Vinod Chopra is a brand in itself. We all know him through his amazing filmography where he donned many hats as a producer, director, businessman, and much more. But isn’t it exciting if a successful person tells you his story by himself? Collaborating with his close friend, Abhijat Joshi, he weaves the storyline piece by piece.
The story of a man from one of the many lanes of Kashmir who made his name for himself. All this happened because of his sheer willpower, his high ambitions, and the indomitable urge to make good cinema. Nothing comes easy, everything takes time. He tells us that what we call success involves a lot of learning and unlearning along with staying humble and keeping an open mind. This book presents Vidhu Vinod Chopra as a man with different personalities, in a good way. On one hand, he is a workaholic and too possessive about his work kind of a person and on the other hand, he cries happy tears when he watches beautiful pieces of other artists. This shows how passionate he is about cinema and artistry.
He shared how he loves to work with new, raw talent and gives them opportunities, which is not seen usually in this tightly regulated family-type industry. The reason he says is personal to him, he suffered from not getting enough breaks in his life and this is how he knows what goes into the mind of a struggle in the film industry. This book reeks passion, from making good cinema to leading a good life. He refers to a lot of films in his book which makes me feel like I don’t even watch films.
He is shown to be very grateful towards his first wife Renu. He never gets bitter about her and openly shares his journey with her and also about him as a director and producer.
The book feels like a conversation, an interview which often reminded me of ‘The Spy Chronicles”. The writing style made it more objective and interesting. To conclude, it is an inspirational book for anyone who is in the creative field or is trying to enter. It motivates people to never stop yearning, learning, and if everything goes right, earning. Be confident about your work.
The story of a man from one of the many lanes of Kashmir who made his name for himself. All this happened because of his sheer willpower, his high ambitions, and the indomitable urge to make good cinema. Nothing comes easy, everything takes time. He tells us that what we call success involves a lot of learning and unlearning along with staying humble and keeping an open mind. This book presents Vidhu Vinod Chopra as a man with different personalities, in a good way. On one hand, he is a workaholic and too possessive about his work kind of a person and on the other hand, he cries happy tears when he watches beautiful pieces of other artists. This shows how passionate he is about cinema and artistry.
He shared how he loves to work with new, raw talent and gives them opportunities, which is not seen usually in this tightly regulated family-type industry. The reason he says is personal to him, he suffered from not getting enough breaks in his life and this is how he knows what goes into the mind of a struggle in the film industry. This book reeks passion, from making good cinema to leading a good life. He refers to a lot of films in his book which makes me feel like I don’t even watch films.
He is shown to be very grateful towards his first wife Renu. He never gets bitter about her and openly shares his journey with her and also about him as a director and producer.
The book feels like a conversation, an interview which often reminded me of ‘The Spy Chronicles”. The writing style made it more objective and interesting. To conclude, it is an inspirational book for anyone who is in the creative field or is trying to enter. It motivates people to never stop yearning, learning, and if everything goes right, earning. Be confident about your work.
December 19, 2022
Got hold of this brilliant book, after getting inspired by one of their amazing Kitabwala interviews on Lallantop.
A great read that inspires you to be who you are and not conform to the standards set by the society.
Admire his integrity, honesty and speaking his mind freely; which is just so rare to find.
Book quotes several instances of him speaking fearlessly and honestly to people like his elder brother Ramanand Sagar or even the Amitabh Bachchan or even the President of India.
Some great lessons to learn. A book on life and cinema.
A great read that inspires you to be who you are and not conform to the standards set by the society.
Admire his integrity, honesty and speaking his mind freely; which is just so rare to find.
Book quotes several instances of him speaking fearlessly and honestly to people like his elder brother Ramanand Sagar or even the Amitabh Bachchan or even the President of India.
Some great lessons to learn. A book on life and cinema.
May 21, 2023
I wish there was a lot more to this book. The conversation style is so fascinating, almost could have been a YouTube video or part of a podcast. There are some amazing stories and insights in there. But I wish there was more on some of the best movies of VVC.
This book leaves you wanting more. But if you are a film student or even a movie buff, I would highly recommend this book.
This book leaves you wanting more. But if you are a film student or even a movie buff, I would highly recommend this book.
January 25, 2025
Unscripted by Vidhu Vinod Chopra offers a captivating glimpse into the life and mind of a Bollywood legend. Structured like a candid conversation, the book is filled with fascinating anecdotes and insights into filmmaking. For Bollywood fans, it’s an inspiring read that celebrates creativity, dedication, and the art of cinema.
June 30, 2021
Coming up the hard way
VVC is unlike most other film makers. He is in your face, brutally honest and undiplomatic to a fault. Yet his achievements in the field of cinema has been exemplary
VVC is unlike most other film makers. He is in your face, brutally honest and undiplomatic to a fault. Yet his achievements in the field of cinema has been exemplary
March 5, 2022
I got this book as a gift, and this is amazing like a toy in your hand, the time you spend with this you will more & more indulge.
You can feel the rollercoaster ride of VVC's life and at the same time you will be inspired a lot.
You can feel the rollercoaster ride of VVC's life and at the same time you will be inspired a lot.
March 25, 2024
Throughout the book he remains delusional about the hypocrite nature of industry (of course including him). While Mr. Abhijat doshi wins best ass licker award here.
Biggest Irony is the name - Unscripted.
Biggest Irony is the name - Unscripted.
March 19, 2021
The undying passion for cinema. Very inspiring.
July 13, 2021
A must read book for every cinema lover. The passion of this man is amazing. Lots of love to you Vidhu sir 😊❤️✌️
December 23, 2021
Brilliant
March 10, 2022
Inspiring.
December 18, 2024
Very inspiring great story’s thanks a lot
January 4, 2024
Outstanding.. to pick up a book knowing so little about someone and ending up being totally in awe of the person at the end... It's amazing how a book can do such a thing !
Right from sharing about his growing up to sharing numerous stories about his movies and what all went behind the scenes..
I especially loved how candid he is about how actors, right from the Big B to Jackie Shroff to Rd Burman to Kumar Sanu.
The format of the book is a simple conversation format with Abhijat Joshi.
A must must read ..
Right from sharing about his growing up to sharing numerous stories about his movies and what all went behind the scenes..
I especially loved how candid he is about how actors, right from the Big B to Jackie Shroff to Rd Burman to Kumar Sanu.
The format of the book is a simple conversation format with Abhijat Joshi.
A must must read ..
July 13, 2023
A must read for a movie buff
It’s a great memoir of the struggles and achievements of Vidhu Vinod Chopra. The memoir is filled with lot of amazing anecdotes. I read the whole book in a weeks times. It’s definitely a page turner.
It’s a great memoir of the struggles and achievements of Vidhu Vinod Chopra. The memoir is filled with lot of amazing anecdotes. I read the whole book in a weeks times. It’s definitely a page turner.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews