Ramesh Sippy and Karan Johar talk about the key to become a filmmaker

Ramesh Sippy is the celebrated filmmaker of Sholay, the wholesome entertainer which even 42 years after its release is still beloved by many, including India Today readers, who cited it as one of their all time favourites in the last Mood of the Nation poll. Karan Johar, apart from being a writer director and talk show host, runs Dharma Productions, one of the biggest studios in Bollywood that has given breaks to filmmakers and actors. Both are inheritors who have built on their legacy.

Karan Johar: Ramesh ji, I was asked at an event why I have a disdain for the term 'Bollywood'? So I said we are not a poor cousin of the international fraternity which is called Hollywood. We have an individuality. So they asked what should we be called? I said we should be called Sholay (1975).

Ramesh Sippy: (Laughs)

KJ: We are the country that made the most iconic