Karan Johar's latest film, "Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani," has garnered widespread acclaim from both critics and audiences alike. Starring Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt in the lead roles, the film owes a significant part of its success to the talented writer, Ishita Moitra.
In a candid interview with Bollywood Hungama, Ishita reflects on her journey from her early days working on "Kambakkht Ishq" to her current milestone project, "Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani." For Ishita, the path to success was not without its challenges.
Starting as a junior writer fresh out of college, she had to gradually find her voice and establish her presence in the industry. Projects like "Mere Dad Ki Maruti," "Noor," "Half Girlfriend," "Four More Shots Please!," "The Test Case," "Shakuntala Devi," and "Maska" helped shape her career and eventually paved the way for her involvement in "Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani." As an ardent fan of Karan Johar, this project holds a special place in her heart.
As a woman in Bollywood, Ishita acknowledges that the industry has evolved over the years, and there are now more opportunities for women writers. Although gender representation has improved, she hopes to see more women telling women's stories in the future.
From Outsider to Bollywood Success: Ishita's Rocky Journey
Being an outsider in Bollywood, Ishita faced the initial difficulties of finding her footing in a new city. However, fate led her to YRF, where she gained confidence and made connections that shaped her career.
From there, she met Karan Johar, and the inception of "Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani" began. The film explores the lives of Rocky and Rani, set in the backdrop of Delhi, combining Ishita's Delhi Bengali and Punjabi roots.
As the film gains praise for its captivating characters and meaningful conversations, Ishita humbly shares the pride of ownership with the entire team, particularly with Karan Johar, whose vision and direction were instrumental in making the film what it is.
Working with Karan Johar proved to be an incredible experience for Ishita. She applauds Karan's openness to ideas, feedback, and his ability to create a relaxed and stress-free working environment. It was pure joy collaborating with him.
In the second half of "Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani," the film addresses pertinent issues such as patriarchy, privilege, racism, and body shaming. Ishita emphasizes that the social statements made in the film were carefully woven into the characters' journeys and the overall entertaining experience.
Looking ahead, Ishita has exciting projects on the horizon, including "Call Me Bae" for Amazon Prime, a series she created starring Ananya Pandey. Additionally, she has co-written a film directed by Anand Tiwari, featuring Vicky Kaushal, Tripti Dimri, and Ammy Virk, produced by Leo Media and Dharma.
Ishita Moitra's journey from a young, aspiring writer to becoming an integral part of one of Bollywood's biggest productions exemplifies the power of determination and talent. As she continues to make her mark in the industry, her work promises to captivate audiences and shed light on diverse and meaningful stories.