I Can Still Approach Amitabh, Salman or SRK: K.C. Bokadia on Relationships

Even after more than five decades in cinema, K.C. Bokadia isn’t slowing down. As he awaits the release of his latest film, ‘Teesri Begum’, on July 18, the veteran filmmaker says there is still one thing that excites him as much as it did when he made his first film in 1970. Finding the right story.

“I am sure if I approach Amitabh Bachchan with an apt script, he will definitely agree to work with me. Right now, I don’t have any script for him,” Bokadia says matter-of-factly. He is equally confident about the relationships he has built with other stars over the years. “I can also approach Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra with a wonderful script. I just have to make up my mind first.”

For a filmmaker who has directed everyone from Sanjeev Kumar, Dharmendra and Feroz Khan to Salman Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and Madhuri Dixit, those relationships have been built not on stardom but on trust.

“I feel fortunate that almost every major actor in Indian cinema has worked with me,” he says, adding, “Every actor brings something unique to a film, and I have learned something valuable from each of them.”

His journey began with a film starring Sanjeev Kumar, Mala Sinha and Shatrughan Sinha, followed by another featuring Feroz Khan, Neetu Singh and Dharmendra. Success followed with films like ‘Pyar Jhukta Nahin’, ‘Teri Meherbaniyan’, ‘Naseeb Apna Apna’, ‘Kudrat Ka Kanoon’, ‘Kab Tak Chup Rahungi’, ‘Phool Bane Angaray’ and ‘Police Aur Mujrim’, establishing Bokadia as one of the industry’s dependable commercial storytellers.

Ask him about the secret behind surviving in Bollywood for over 50 years and his answer is surprisingly simple.

“The media has always supported and respected me. Whatever recognition I have received is because audiences and the press appreciated my work. I am truly grateful for that love,” he says.

His latest film, ‘Teesri Begum’, has already attracted curiosity because of its title. Bokadia, however, insists that appearances can be deceptive.

“The story came from a real-life incident. I met someone who had three wives belonging to different communities. That conversation stayed with me and gradually became a story,” he says. “The film is not about promoting polygamy. It is a social drama about relationships, emotions and the consequences of people’s choices. The title may sound controversial, but the film carries a meaningful message.”

Interestingly, despite the provocative title, Bokadia resisted the temptation to stir controversy for publicity.

“Creating controversy has never been my style. I don’t believe in hurting anyone’s religious or social sentiments just to promote a film. Publicity should come from the quality of the work, not by creating unnecessary disputes.”

That philosophy has shaped much of his filmography, where entertainment often walks alongside social commentary. “Cinema should entertain, but it should also make people think,” he says. “Every family faces challenges, and through my stories I try to reflect society honestly while encouraging audiences to look at issues with sensitivity.”

Among his many memories, one involving Salman Khan still makes him smile.

“There was a funny incident on one of the sets. Salman was preparing for an important shot and asked the director to request me to step outside because my presence was making him conscious,” Bokadia recalls. “I never took it negatively. We all laughed about it later. Those moments become fond memories.”

While the economics of filmmaking have changed dramatically over the years, Bokadia says he has never allowed money to dictate his choices. “Money is important because filmmaking is a business, but it has never been my biggest concern. If your intentions are honest and your work is sincere, financial support eventually comes. I have never lived my life worrying only about money.”

Every morning, he still sits down to write.

“I thank God every day. Whenever I create something meaningful, I feel it is God’s blessing. That keeps me inspired to continue telling stories.”

That creative urge has now extended to television, where he is directing a family drama featuring Darshan Jariwala, Supriya Karnik, Mukta Godse, Rakesh Bedi, Aman Verma and Mahesh Thakur.

“It revolves around family relationships and the challenges every household faces,” he says.

He is equally pleased that success has not changed those he has worked with for years.

“Rakesh Bedi is still the same humble and warm-hearted person. Success hasn’t changed him, and that’s something I admire.”

Box office conversations today are dominated by budgets and opening weekends but Bokadia believes audiences ultimately reward sincerity. “A star certainly helps because stars are brands. But ultimately, content is king. If your story is honest and engaging, audiences will accept it. A good subject will always outlive star power.”

For aspiring filmmakers, his advice comes from experience rather than theory.

“Believe in your story. Work with honesty, respect everyone and never chase controversy for attention. Success comes through dedication, patience and faith. If your intentions are genuine, audiences will always support good cinema.”

After more than half a century in Bollywood, K.C. Bokadia still speaks less about celebrities and more about stories. Perhaps that is why, even today, he believes the next script could be the one that brings him back together with cinema’s biggest stars.