Boasting 50 years in filmmaking and 25 in education, Ghai traced his path from FTII Pune student in the late 1960s—where he studied acting and global films—to a multifaceted career as actor, writer, director, producer, distributor, exhibitor, and founder of Whistling Woods.

Out of 18-19 films directed, most were successes, fueling his expansion into business ventures. The film school was born from observing newcomers’ struggles in Mumbai. ‘They arrive clueless about industry navigation,’ he said. ‘Our program offers practical training, expert mentorship, and direct industry entry after 2-3 years.’

Ghai views remake culture positively, citing generational renewals from Beethoven to Vishal Bhardwaj, K.L. Saigal to Manoj Kumar. Every 30 years, fresh voices redefine cinema. ‘It’s society’s mirror—evolving with societal shifts, now amplified by digital platforms like OTT and web series offering endless storytelling avenues.’

Action movies’ surge fits historical patterns: social films in 60s, Bachchan-era action in 70s, romances in 90s. ‘Trends shift every 20-30 years as viewers seek change,’ Ghai explained. His insights highlight cinema’s dynamic nature, blending tradition with innovation for sustained relevance.

Anushka Sharma pioneered the trend, announcing her pregnancy in a delightful polka dot dress that had everyone talking. Kiara Advani echoed the choice in her maternity shoot, proving its timeless appeal. Alia Bhatt’s bold black-and-white version sent fans into a frenzy online.

Priyanka Chopra, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Natasha Stankovic joined the club, each wearing polka dots to share their happy news. What started as a style statement became a cultural phenomenon.

Tracing back, polka dots were once shunned due to 18th-century epidemics where spots mimicked disease rashes. The 19th-century polka dance revived it, with dotted fabrics flooding wardrobes.

The 1920s brought mainstream fame: Miss America’s polka dot swimsuit, Minnie Mouse’s dress, and later icons like Sinatra and Monroe propelled it forward. Bollywood’s adoption marks a joyful chapter, blending history with modern maternity fashion.

The shift began with groundbreaking visuals and narratives unbound by reality. Singh notes, ‘Viewers are tired of slice-of-life dramas. They want dragons, wizards, and worlds where anything’s possible.’ This appetite has fueled mega-hits that dominate charts globally and locally.

Demographic data backs this up. Teens and millennials lead the charge, spending heavily on fantasy merchandise and tickets. But it’s not just youth—parents introduce kids to enchanted tales, creating multi-generational appeal. OTT platforms report fantasy genres topping watch hours consistently.

Singh credits three pillars: stellar production values, universal themes, and marketing savvy. High-octane action sequences rendered with cutting-edge CGI draw first-timers, while profound explorations of good vs. evil keep them coming back. Cross-promotions with games and comics extend the universe.

Challenges exist, like ballooning budgets for effects-heavy shoots. Yet, returns justify risks. Singh’s own projects exemplify success, blending spectacle with substance. ‘Indian fantasy is rising, infused with our myths like Ramayana reimagined,’ he enthuses.

Industry peers echo his optimism. Directors experiment with hybrid genres—fantasy romance, horror-fantasy—expanding boundaries. Writers draw from diverse cultures, ensuring inclusivity.

As theaters rebound and streaming wars intensify, fantasy stands tall. Suraj Singh foresees a golden era: ‘Expect more immersive stories that make you believe in magic again.’ For filmmakers, it’s a call to innovate or get left behind in this enchanting wave.