From Film Sets to CM's Office: KC Bokadia Recalls Young Vijay's Visit to 'Aaj Ka Arjun'
Veteran filmmaker KC Bokadia shares nostalgic memories of Tamil Nadu CM Vijay as a teenager on the sets of the movie Aaj Ka Arjun.
Long before he became the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and a powerhouse in South Indian politics, C. Joseph Vijay was a young man navigating the world of cinema. In a nostalgic trip down memory lane, veteran filmmaker KC Bokadia has shared an intriguing glimpse into the early days of the actor-turned-politician, recalling a time when Vijay was just a teenager accompanying his father to film sets.
A Teenage Visit to a Bollywood Classic
KC Bokadia vividly remembers the day when a young Vijay stepped onto the sets of the movie Aaj Ka Arjun. According to the filmmaker, Vijay was likely between 18 and 20 years old at the time. He hadn't yet become the cinematic phenomenon he is today but was accompanying his father, the noted filmmaker S. A. Chandrasekhar.
The film, released in 1990, was a significant production featuring the legendary Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Prada in lead roles, supported by a stellar cast including Anupam Kher, Suresh Oberoi, and Asrani. For Bokadia, the memory of a young Vijay attending the muhurat (auspicious start) of this project stands as a testament to the actor's deep-rooted connection to the craft of filmmaking from a very early age.
The Story Behind 'Kudrat Ka Kanoon'
Beyond the anecdote about the future Chief Minister, Bokadia also reflected on his professional relationship with S. A. Chandrasekhar. He recalled the interesting circumstances that led to the making of the Hindi film Kudrat Ka Kanoon.
The process began when the actress Radhika and her mother brought Chandrasekhar to Bokadia's office. The team had acquired the Hindi remake rights to the hit Tamil film Neethikku Thandanai, which had starred Radhika. Bokadia was keen on having Chandrasekhar direct the Hindi version.
A Lesson in Humility
Bokadia was particularly struck by the honesty displayed by the filmmaker during their negotiation. When asked to direct the film, Chandrasekhar initially hesitated, admitting that he had not seen success as a director in Hindi cinema previously.
"Just look at his honesty. Just imagine that level of honesty and humility!" remarked KC Bokadia.
Despite the initial reluctance, Bokadia insisted, and Chandrasekhar eventually agreed to take the helm. The result was a success, with the film performing well in theaters and strengthening the bond between the two filmmakers.
These recollections paint a picture of a young Vijay growing up in an environment of creative discipline and humility, long before he transitioned from the silver screen to the corridors of power in Tamil Nadu.