In an interesting and somewhat amusing revelation, Bollywood’s acclaimed filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra shared that he once received a slap from his own mother after he gifted superstar Amitabh Bachchan a luxury car worth ₹4.5 crores.
Chopra, known for his uncompromising style of filmmaking, made the disclosure in an interview with Indian media, recalling the behind-the-scenes experiences of his 2007 film Eklavya: The Royal Guard, which starred Amitabh Bachchan, Saif Ali Khan, and Sanjay Dutt.
Why Amitabh Paid His Own Expenses
Chopra explained that during the production of Eklavya, he persuaded Amitabh Bachchan to cover his own travel and accommodation expenses. The reason was simple but practical—if Chopra bore Amitabh’s costs, then it would have set a precedent, compelling him to also pay for the other lead actors, including Saif Ali Khan and Sanjay Dutt.
To his surprise, Amitabh readily agreed. When he arrived on set with very little luggage, Chopra was astonished. On asking, Amitabh revealed, half in jest, that his wife Jaya Bachchan had predicted he wouldn’t last more than a week with Chopra, as their temperaments were so different. Amitabh himself repeated this to Chopra at the shooting spot.
On-Set Clashes but Mutual Respect
Chopra admitted candidly that his and Amitabh’s strong personalities did clash. “After about a week or ten days, we started fighting,” Chopra revealed. “But despite our arguments, both of us were determined to finish the film—and we did.”
It was Amitabh’s dedication and cooperation, despite their differences, that deeply impressed Chopra.
The Expensive Gift: A Luxury Car
To express his gratitude, Chopra decided to gift Amitabh a luxury car valued at ₹4.5 crores. Narrating the incident, he said:
“When I gave Amitabh the car, my mother was with me. In fact, she herself handed over the keys to him. But later, when we got back into my own car, she slapped me.”
Perplexed, Chopra asked why. His mother bluntly questioned him:
“Why didn’t you buy a car for yourself first? Why give away such an expensive car to someone else when you don’t even have a driver and drive yourself around?”
Chopra laughed as he recalled the moment, admitting that while his mother wasn’t wrong, the gesture had come from a place of respect and admiration for Amitabh Bachchan’s contribution.
Jaya Bachchan’s Doubts, Amitabh’s Determination
Interestingly, Jaya Bachchan had been skeptical from the beginning. She warned Amitabh that he wouldn’t be able to tolerate Chopra for more than a week. Amitabh himself acknowledged this prediction on set, joking with Chopra about it.
Yet, contrary to her expectations, both men pushed past their creative clashes and saw the film through, proving their mutual professionalism.
A Rare Bond in Bollywood
While gifting lavish items in Bollywood isn’t unusual, Chopra’s story stands out because it reflects not just generosity but also the deep respect he had for Amitabh Bachchan. At the same time, it highlights the grounded practicality of his mother, who reminded him that filmmakers should also think of their own needs before splurging on others.
For Chopra, however, the gift was symbolic—a way to honor Amitabh’s unwavering dedication and the effort he put into making Eklavya.
