Vardhaan Puri On Aditya Chopra's Mentorship And A Heartfelt Tribute: Everything I Know About Filmmaking...

Their bond dates back to Vardhaan's childhood, long before he stepped into the film industry. As a young boy swimming at Juhu Gymkhana Club, Vardhaan often interacted with a friendly gentleman who smiled from his eyes and spoke to him warmly between laps. It was only later that he realized this was Aditya Chopra-the man who would go on to narrate Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge to his grandfather, without a script, at the age of just 23 while Vardhaan sat comfortably on his grandfather's lap at his Juhu home.

Inspired by cinema and theater, Vardhaan made a promise to himself: he would somehow join Yash Raj Films before turning 21, but never by using his family name. He wanted to earn his place through merit. When he finally approached them executive producer of YRF Aashish Singh and after one year of toiling finally managed to meet Aditya Chopra, he was met with honesty and encouragement. "You're very passionate and excited about cinema which is great," Chopra told him, "but you know nothing about cinema yet. I'll connect you with my directors. If they like you, you'll get the job. That's all I can do for you."

Habib Faisal interviewed him, and despite not knowing the answers to any of the intimidating questions fired at him, Faisal decided to take a chance. "You're a blank slate," he said, "and that's exciting. I can write on you whatever I want. You're working with me on Ishaqzaade. Congratulations!"

That moment marked the beginning of Vardhaan's journey into filmmaking. Over the years, he has learned the art and craft of cinema-acting, writing, direction, editing and production-through hands-on experience at YRF. For Vardhaan, Aditya Chopra is not just a filmmaker but a true guru and the only person in the world he gets star struck in front of. "I've met many legends, but only one man leaves me starstruck every single time-Aditya Chopra. Aditya Chopra isn't just a legendary filmmaker, producer, writer, and studio head, he is also the kindest and most humble human being," Vardhaan Puri quotes.

Vardhaan Puri concludes by sharing a heartfelt wish for his mentor, "To my guru, my mentor, my inspiration-Happy Birthday. Thank you for believing in me before I even believed in myself!"