MUMBAI: BBC World is looking to Bollywood to strengthen its general entertainment lineup. From tomorrow 31 July at 10 pm, BBC World is introducing the first in a series of five documentaries called Bollywood Bosses.
This would feature in-depth interviews with five of Bollywood's top directors: Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Ram Gopal Verma, Rakesh Roshan, Karan Johar and Yash Chopra.
Drawing upon the opinions of industry insiders, each episode takes a closer look at the men behind Bollywood blockbusters like Devdas, Rangeela, Kaho Na Pyaar Hai, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Dil To Pagal Hai. Opening the series this weekend is the profile of Ram Gopal Verma, known as a maverick in the Bollywood circles. The programme chronicles the successes and failures that have defined the man behind films such as Satya and Company. It follows Verma's journey from his beginnings in Hyderabad to the world of Bollywood.
Verma discusses the chance meeting with South Indian superstar Nagarjuna that changed Verma from a video library owner into the director of his first film Shiva. Verma also comments on the slew of underworld films that many believe were inspired by his film Satya, explaining why he feels Satya was not just another underworld movie.
The director also clarifies his motives behind constantly giving new talent a platform, saying: "I'm not here to give voice to young directors. I have no intentions of encouraging new talent or doing charity business here. They have their own agenda, they are using me as the means, or one of the better means, to get where they want."