Anees Bazmee, one of Bollywood’s most successful directors and screenwriters, recently opened up about his early career struggles and revealed that he had ghost-written several hit films before making a name for himself. Known for his work on iconic comedies like No Entry (2005), Welcome (2007), Singh is Kinng (2008), and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 (2022), Bazmee has been a significant figure in Indian cinema. However, behind his famous works lies an often-overlooked chapter of his career as a ghostwriter.
In a candid conversation with Mashable India, Bazmee shared how he had ghost-written for 6 to 7 films, working behind the scenes on several successful projects. The revelation came as a surprise to many, as Bazmee’s name is now synonymous with hit Bollywood comedies. However, in the early years of his career, Bazmee was more focused on getting work, gaining experience, and supporting himself financially than on earning recognition.
“A ghostwriter is someone who writes for a film but doesn’t get any credit. I did it for the money,” Bazmee admitted. “I wasn’t too busy to turn down work, and I saw it as an opportunity to gain experience. I wanted to see how things worked behind the scenes and how audiences reacted to the films. Even though I wasn’t credited, I knew that I had written those films. And that gave me confidence.”
Bazmee’s journey as a ghostwriter was not just about writing scripts; it was about gaining an understanding of the film industry, the audience’s pulse, and refining his skills. Despite working in the shadows, Bazmee was eager to learn, and this experience later contributed to his growth as a screenwriter and director. It was during this time that he honed his ability to craft stories that resonated with audiences, especially in the comedy genre.
One of the most memorable stories Bazmee shared was about his work on the film Aankhen (1993). Directed by Vipin Handa and produced by Pahlaj Nihalani, Bazmee was brought in to write the screenplay in a highly compressed timeline. According to Bazmee, Nihalani, known for his bold and often unconventional demands, forced him to complete the script within a mere 15 days.
“I had never been in such a situation before,” Bazmee recalled with a smile. “Pahlaj Nihalani was very insistent. He handed me the job and said, ‘Chhadi lekar likh,’ which roughly translates to ‘Write it quickly.’ I had to finish the script within 15 days, and honestly, I was a little overwhelmed. But it taught me a lot about the pressure of the film industry and working within strict deadlines.”
Bazmee’s experience on Aankhen proved to be a turning point. Not only did he successfully meet the challenge, but he also realized the immense pressure that filmmakers face. This encounter strengthened his resolve to continue pursuing a career in filmmaking and writing. While Aankhen was not initially considered a blockbuster, the film eventually gained cult status, proving that Bazmee’s contributions, even as a ghostwriter, were not without merit.
As Bazmee’s career progressed, he gradually moved into the limelight as both a writer and director. His first major directorial hit, No Entry (2005), became a massive success, and his subsequent films continued to solidify his place in Bollywood’s comedy scene. However, Bazmee never forgot his roots as a ghostwriter. He has always maintained that it was the anonymity of writing that gave him the time and space to develop his voice.
Looking back on his early years, Bazmee has no regrets about ghostwriting. In fact, he believes it played a pivotal role in shaping his career. “Those experiences made me who I am today,” he said. “They gave me the opportunity to learn without the burden of expectations and pressure. I learned how to write for different genres, how to handle deadlines, and how to navigate the complexities of the film industry.”
Today, as Bazmee enjoys the success of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, it is clear that his humble beginnings and his time as a ghostwriter were not just stepping stones but integral parts of his journey. Despite the lack of recognition for his ghostwritten scripts, Bazmee’s talent, perseverance, and willingness to take risks ultimately paid off, making him one of Bollywood’s most respected filmmakers.
As Anees Bazmee continues to shine in his role as a director, he remains deeply appreciative of the lessons he learned during his time as a ghostwriter. The anonymity that came with the job allowed him to work under less pressure while still learning the intricacies of storytelling and scriptwriting. He acknowledges that while being a ghostwriter may not have provided the instant fame he later enjoyed, it gave him an invaluable understanding of the industry from a behind-the-scenes perspective.
One of the most rewarding aspects of ghostwriting, according to Bazmee, was the ability to experiment and explore different genres. Without the weight of public scrutiny, he was able to hone his skills in crafting compelling stories for a variety of audiences. This exposure to diverse types of scripts prepared him for his future ventures in comedy and drama, genres in which he would later become well-known.
Additionally, Bazmee revealed that his ghostwriting experience taught him the importance of collaboration in filmmaking. Many of the scripts he worked on were the result of close interactions with directors, producers, and other writers. This collaborative spirit shaped his approach to film production, where he learned to incorporate different viewpoints and perspectives into his work. He credits his successful films, such as Welcome and Singh is Kinng, to the teamwork and collective effort involved in the filmmaking process.
In recent years, Bazmee has also expressed gratitude for the opportunities that followed his initial struggles. He is keenly aware that without the hard lessons from his early career, he may not have been able to achieve the success he enjoys today. The ghostwriting phase, he believes, was his chance to lay the foundation for his future endeavors. The stories he worked on during that time, while not publicly credited to him, remain a testament to his determination and passion for storytelling.
Bazmee’s honesty and openness about his early career provide a refreshing perspective on the industry. In an era where the glitz and glamour of Bollywood often overshadow the hard work and sacrifices behind the scenes, his story stands as a reminder that success is built on persistence, resilience, and sometimes, anonymity. His willingness to share his past struggles also serves as an inspiration to aspiring filmmakers and writers, showing them that even the most successful careers begin with humble, uncelebrated beginnings.
As Bazmee’s career continues to evolve, it’s clear that his experiences as a ghostwriter have shaped him into the filmmaker he is today. From writing under the radar to directing blockbuster films, he has proven that the path to success is rarely straightforward, but it is always worth taking. The lessons he has learned along the way continue to influence his work, and his ability to adapt and grow within the ever-changing world of cinema ensures that he remains a prominent figure in Bollywood for years to come.
Reflecting on his journey, Bazmee emphasized how important it is to stay grounded and focused on one’s craft, no matter the circumstances. His career trajectory is a testament to the power of hard work and perseverance. Whether writing in the shadows or basking in the limelight, Bazmee’s love for storytelling has never wavered, and it continues to fuel his passion for filmmaking.