Do Relationships Curb Creativity?

Hey Everyone...😃

Last week I noticed something very interesting that Sanajy Leela Bansali said, he made a statement that "relationships curb creativity!" Meaning... that being friends with people in the industry or sharing a close relationship with people you work with can cause you to become answerable to them, hence in the bargain killing or reducing your creativity.

Also it was mentioned that there are certain camps exsisting in bollywood, where certain actors only work with certain directors etc... and we all know this is true somewhere... how many of us expect Karan Johar to feature Kangana Ranuwat in his next film? Preity Zinta on the other very likey!

Now let's come to the real things.... are most scripts in bollywood today based on actors, or are the character based? As in.... when Karan Johar is writing a new script does he keep his friend SRK in mind or does he write the script and then goes out looking for the actor who would fit the characters of his scrip? In my opinion it is the first one... and hence... reduction in creativity perhaps?

Another example... Kareena Kapoor, who everyone knows to not be very close to anyone... (except Amrita Arora & Shahid 😉)... no other real close relationships in bollywood.... is that the reason she has gone and done films with Mani Ratnam, Vishal Bhardwaj, Kjo and many others???

But if you don't maintain or make any relationships... in order to keep your creativity alive then what happens during trying and troubling times.... when you need someone to understand you (who may have been through the same thing at some point) An actor will understand another's actors point of view.....a buisnessman may not understand what an actor's struggles are.... what happens at times like these?

So now my questions... do you agree that relationships curb creativity?

And if they do... what is more important in you opinion... relationships or creativity???

And lastly can you have both? Great relationships within the film faternity... without loosing out on creativity?

Great topic.

I definitely believe that relationships DO curb creativity, if you let them. For example, KJo himself has stated many a time that he cannot imagine a film w/o SRK in it - so immediately that closes one door for freshness or challenge. Mention KJo and his films, and everyone immediately thinks "SRK, Rani/Kajol/Preity and a title beginning with "K" ". So we become used to that and come to the cinema with a preconceived notion of what the film and the characters would entail. Even KANK, which was supposed to be a pioneering, challenging take on relationships, had the same actors in a slightly different situation. For example, for me, Abhi was the real "hero" (if anyone could be called that) in the film, yet it was SRK who was put forward as the main lead of the film, regardless that his character was.....overrated.

Now, directors like Sanjay Leela Bhansali also, of course, have favourites and good relationships within the industry - Rani and Ash and Salman, possibly - but the great thing about him is that he is not afraid to take challenges. In Saawariya, he is banking on two total newcomers who have nothing yet to offer except their heritage. That's great, because it means that the film will place more emphasis on promoting the characters and the actors' performances rather than just the famous faces. That's creative - trying something new and different. If he makes it work, then its a great launching pad for the newcomers. If it doesn't work - an improbability where SLB i concerned - then at least he had the guts to be creative and try something.

It seems to me as if KJo - and other such camps - write characters with their favourite actor in mind, which naturally means that they would be making concessions with role, so that it would suit the actor. They would want their favourite actor to be the main guy, the lead, the one who gets the girl - it becomes harder for them to write a "bad" ending for their fave. Again with KANK, I would have preferred if it had not ended the way it did - SRK and Rani should have gone their separate ways; but because it was SRK and Rani, they HAD to get together to make a cliched ending. That ending undermined the whole essence of the film - the effect on relationships that an extra-marital affair can have. By giving the film that ending, KJo seemed to be saying "It's ok to leave your spouse and your child because in the end, its all happy for you".

So yes, I totally believe that relationships can curb creativity, but like I said, sometimes people can make a conscious effort to keep their personal and work lives separate - even though SLB may have faves, at least he has the guts to try something new.

Hmm interesting topic, so i had to put in my opinion...so here are my two cents..😊

Originally posted by: Saregama_fan

Now let's come to the real things.... are most scripts in bollywood today based on actors, or are the character based? As in.... when Karan Johar is writing a new script does he keep his friend SRK in mind or does he write the script and then goes out looking for the actor who would fit the characters of his scrip? In my opinion it is the first one... and hence... reduction in creativity perhaps? No Doubt the first one. The directors themselves mention that they make the character keeping the actor in mind. Why do you say there is a reduction in creativity. What is the harm in knowing who will play your character, thus making yourself more creative to produce scirpts or scenes which that actor/actress can do!!!

Another example... Kareena Kapoor, who everyone knows to not be very close to anyone... (except Amrita Arora & Shahid 😉)... no other real close relationships in bollywood.... is that the reason she has gone and done films with Mani Ratnam, Vishal Bhardwaj, Kjo and many others??? Well many people have no close relationships with the members of the flim frat. So i dont think she on purpose does flims with so many directors. Kajol also is not close to many people in the industry. She herself said that she doenst like most of the people she meets. She did the film fanaa with amir not because she wanted to but becasue she felt it was the right move. Most actors think of wroking with different directors to play various roles and to get maximum exposure in films.

So now my questions... do you agree that relationships curb creativity?

Yes i definetly think relationships curb creativity, some people work with people they know to spark that creativity and some like to work with various people to curb the creativity even though they might prefer working with their confidant but there is no harm in working with someone new...

And if they do... what is more important in you opinion... relationships or creativity???

I think they both are important at their own stand. Like Kjo he maintains relationship with all his stars, but he uses creativity to add some zest to movies. Example: Rani was always Kjo's fav. At one point we thought that she will be in all his movies as the leading lady but then kal ho na ho came out with P Zinta, Rani was hurt that Kjo took priety instead of her, but he gave her a cameo to keep the relationship in tact and used preity as lead heroin to try something new, be creative. SO again both are important!!!

And lastly can you have both? Great relationships within the film faternity... without loosing out on creativity?

Well i think i kinda answered that in the question above. Kho got both relationships and creativeness in his flim kal ho na ho..perfect example!

Neetu

Hey! i must say saregampa_fan, u always come up with very interesting topics!

I think having close relationships does restrict your creativity to an extent ..

But as a matter of fact, alot depends on the individual director himself.
For example, if a person wants, he can maintain good relationships and engage in creativity at the same time.
Well one should know how to keep their personal lives and professional lives separate.
Just because someone is a very dear friend to you does not mean you are indebted to him or her for giving a role in every film of urs.
If they are really ur frenz, they will understand. Infact, it should be the duty of the director to make it clear from the begining tht good frenz does not equal to lifetime professional partners.

Different ppl have different intentions and they also have different ways of engineering particular ideas/concepts, characters, settings etc..

Some prefer to write their script first and then see which actors fit their roles.
Some actors prefer to work with only directors who can bring out the best in them.
Some directors intentionally work with the purpose of casting a new face.
Some directors know that shahrukh sells big time.
Some actors know that working with yashraj is a great commercial platform.

So it need not be only to maintain relationships or venture into creativity.

In my opinion, close relationships and friendships, if genuine, should not interfere or obstruct creative minds.

Originally posted by: glamourous

I think having close relationships does restrict your creativity to an extent ..

But as a matter of fact, alot depends on the individual director himself.
For example, if a person wants, he can maintain good relationships and engage in creativity at the same time.
Well one should know how to keep their personal lives and professional lives separate.
Just because someone is a very dear friend to you does not mean you are indebted to him or her for giving a role in every film of urs.
If they are really ur frenz, they will understand. Infact, it should be the duty of the director to make it clear from the begining tht good frenz does not equal to lifetime professional partners.

Different ppl have different intentions and they also have different ways of engineering particular ideas/concepts, characters, settings etc..

Some prefer to write their script first and then see which actors fit their roles.
Some actors prefer to work with only directors who can bring out the best in them.
Some directors intentionally work with the purpose of casting a new face.
Some directors know that shahrukh sells big time.
Some actors know that working with yashraj is a great commercial platform.

So it need not be only to maintain relationships or venture into creativity.

In my opinion, close relationships and friendships, if genuine, should not interfere or obstruct creative minds.

👏 I agree. Everyone in the world has close relationships. Does it mean everyone's losing their creativity! i agree that it depends on how each individual handles the situation.

Yes, I think some extent relationships do curb creativity. Not just in Bollywood but in general. A person who can maintain relationships yet not curb relationships deserves a 👏 Definitely a risk, especially in an industry like Bollywood where relationships are considered very important.

Besides KJo, there are other directors/producers who repeat actors in their films, i.e. the Bhatts, Rakesh Roshan, to name a few. But it doesn't always curb creativity. The Bhatts keep featuring Emraan Hashmi in many films but they do produce creative movies, time from time. Two recent ones are Gangster and Woh Lamhe (didn't have Emraan). It depends on how you mix professional with personal. Do you have to always work with your friends, even if it doesn't suit the situation? Do you give less importance to creativity and more to relationships, even when it should be the other way around? Are you afraid to say no to a friend?

Besides directors casting their favorite actors, we have the Bachchans who do not want to work with the Kapoors, due to personal reasons. Kareena is not too fond of John Abraham. Shahid said on KwK that John is one actor with whom Kareena would never wanna act opposite! Hrithik isn't keen on working with Kareena, due to media reports linking the two years ago. Based on some articles, Ajay isn't fond of SRK and Kajol working together. In all of these scenarios, its possible that relationships curb creativity. Some people rather play it safe than take risks. They don't want to go outside their comfort zone, whether professionally or personally. Don't want to risk taking a professional decision cos it might affect personal relations.

Big directors prefer to go with star kids and established actors cos they want their films to earn big bucks at the box office. The film has a good chance of getting a good opening weekend box office figure! Will Rakesh Roshan ever make a film without Hrithik now? In many of his recent movies, Hrithik always overshadows the heroines? Is the story written with this in mind, that Hrithik must be the star of the film? Farah Khan is making her second film with SRK again. Will her third be with SRK as well? Both are good friends? Will the media reports on Adi and Rani's relationship affect Rani's standing in Yash Raj films, for the better or worse? How many more Munnabhai movies will be produced? How long can the Munna-Circuit magic last? What about the creativity? Will Sanjay always star in the film, even if he doesn't suit the character? Will the character be written in such a manner that it has to?! Its like if 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it! 😆 I agree to an extent that roles are written with actors in mind while in some cases, it should be the other way around! Roles should be written and actors decided AFTERWARDS. At least the character would appear more genuine.


Excellent topic Saregama_Fan. 😊 👏 I'll add anything else I think of! Great thoughts by everyone else.

Originally posted by: psawyer

It seems to me as if KJo - and other such camps - write characters with their favourite actor in mind, which naturally means that they would be making concessions with role, so that it would suit the actor. They would want their favourite actor to be the main guy, the lead, the one who gets the girl - it becomes harder for them to write a "bad" ending for their fave. Again with KANK, I would have preferred if it had not ended the way it did - SRK and Rani should have gone their separate ways; but because it was SRK and Rani, they HAD to get together to make a cliched ending. That ending undermined the whole essence of the film - the effect on relationships that an extra-marital affair can have. By giving the film that ending, KJo seemed to be saying "It's ok to leave your spouse and your child because in the end, its all happy for you".

Even though I'm a huge SRK and Rani fan, I hated the ending of KANK. Its a good example the relationships curbing creativity. I agree, Maya and Dev should have been alone at the end, neither with their spouse nor with each other. If not that, then at least not a typical, Bollywood happy ending to a "different" film. It was the same heroine chasing hero at the train station type of ending we see in so many movies. So fairytale-like and it didn't work. Despite SRK and Rani as the lead actors, the ending was not appreciated by too many people. Nor were the characters of Maya and Dev liked by many, despite popular actors playing the roles. Many people in the US walked out of the theaters saying 'it [the ending] was wrong'. Anyway, I'm glad KJo didn't have the ending where Rhea takes back Dev and Rishi takes back Maya. That would have been the worst ending possible.

dats a good topic!

havent read all ur posts..so i will make it short

i do belive that rns can curb creativity...coz in a relatoinship u r more dep on someone and u have to do for someone somethings, which might not be ur own! being independent in some matters is good for improving ur skills...dependent on someone always isnt a good thing!...

In my opinion, relationships do not curb creativity.I believe creativity is an inherent trait; there is also much psychological evidence supporting this idea. On a general note, its was KJO's relationships that helped him write such stories in the first place. All of his movies are/were inspired by jists of people's lives /incidents surronding him. Being a filmmaker and a story writer portrays his creativity. I feel his creativity lies in portraying different dimensions of romance, his perceptions of love at different stages of his life and his growth as a story teller in putting his mind on the celluloid. The starcast has nothing to do with curbing his creative ability. Consider this, the genre has always been a romantic drama, yet SRK played a college cool dude, a lonely young father, a rich stubborn yet admirable son, a dying lover, and a frustrated inferiority complexed husband. I feel that KJO has been more creative than Bhansali in his movies. Bhansali's stories are hardly his own, Black is inspired by Helen Keller, Devdas is a novel, Hum dil de chuke sanam is the least creative it is more of a fantasy on screen, Khamoshi is the only real work of his creativity. In conclusion, KJO pens Kreativity while he brews relationships with his Koffee!!!