'Ravi Chopra's Baghban was the kind of rare cinema that changed lives'

'It was one of the most important films of my career'

'Shooting with Ravi Chopra was a picnic'

Baghban cast members Hema Malini and Divya Dutta remember their director Ravi Chopra, who passed away at the age of 68 on November 12. 

Hema Malini
What a lovely human being Raviji was!

We worked together on three films; each one of them was memorable.

I shared a very close and warm rapport with the entire Chopra family. Raviji's father Mr BR Chopra wanted to launch me as a heroine in Hindi cinema but that couldn't happen.

However, I went on to do three films with their banner -- The Burning Train, Baghban and Baabul.

Baghban was, by far, the most important film for me out of the three.

In fact, I'd say it is one of the most important films of my career. It addressed the relationship between parents and children. I've seldom received as much feedback and praise for a film as I did for Baghban.

It was the kind of rare cinema that changed lives. Even if Raviji had not made any other film, he would still be remembered for this one forever. It is sad that he had to go in this way. He was very unwell in his last years.

I hope he has finally found peace.

Divya Dutta

I had the privilege of working with Raviji in Baghban where I played the daughter-in-law.

He was the most happy-go-lucky and charming person. There was always a smile on his face!

Shooting would go like a picnic with him. He taught me how to play Sudoku. 

His passing away is a terrible loss.

Image: Hema Malini with Amitabh Bachchan in Baghban