Sumit Arora's Journey: Writing for Passion and Financial Stability in Hindi Cinema
Screenwriter Sumit Arora, renowned for his contributions to blockbuster films such as "Stree", "Jawan", and "Border 2", as well as the acclaimed series "The Family Man", has opened up about his unique path into the world of Hindi cinema. In a candid interview, Arora revealed that while his passion for writing was always clear, financial necessity initially drove his career choices.
Early Life and Literary Roots
Born in Meerut, Arora grew up immersed in Hindi literature, thanks to his mother who fostered a deep love for reading from an early age. He began writing at just 14 years old, starting with articles and columns for newspapers. However, he soon realized that this alone was insufficient to build a sustainable livelihood.
The Move to Mumbai: A Leap of Faith
Arora doesn't recall a specific moment when he decided to move to Mumbai, but he knew that achieving financial stability was crucial for survival in the bustling city. "I came to Mumbai while still completing my degree. I also wanted to make money. I realized that where I was writing, there was not much money. Coming from a humble background, money was a real requirement. Without it, life would have been really stressful," he explained. He faced the choice between pursuing a traditional degree for a secure job or leveraging his talent in an environment with greater earning potential.
Television Beginnings and Breakthrough
Upon arriving in Mumbai, Arora encountered numerous challenges and found that breaking into the film industry was no easy feat. He pivoted to television writing, contributing to popular shows like "Chhoona Hai Aasmaan", "Dill Mill Gayye", "24", and "Sadda Haq". His first film as a writer was the 2015 comedy "All Is Well", starring Abhishek Bachchan and Rishi Kapoor.
However, it was the 2018 horror-comedy "Stree", directed by Amar Kaushik, that catapulted Arora to widespread recognition. He penned the dialogues for the film, which starred Shraddha Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao. "Stree" became a massive box office hit and launched Maddock's horror-comedy universe, including subsequent titles like "Stree 2", "Bhediya", "Munjya", and "Thamma".
Collaborations and Career Milestones
Arora's friendship with director Amar Kaushik dates back to their early struggles in Mumbai. "He was trying to make his first film, I was trying to write my film. We used to discuss different ideas and stuff. Actually, we worked on a couple of stories that didn't get made," Arora shared. Kaushik later offered him the opportunity to write dialogues for "Stree", which Arora eagerly accepted due to his admiration for producers Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK.
The success of "Stree" opened doors to significant projects such as "The Family Man", "Dahaad", "Jawan", and most recently, "Border 2". Working on "Border 2" was particularly special for Arora, who watched the original 1997 film as a 10-year-old with his father. "I was like a kid in the candy store. When I got this offer, the kid in me got really excited," he said, noting the responsibility of continuing the legacy with star Sunny Deol.
Crafting Memorable Dialogues
Sumit Arora has become famous for penning dialogues that resonate deeply with audiences, such as "Vo stree hai, vo kuchh bhi kar sakti hai" from "Stree" and "Bete ko haath lagane se pehle baap se baat kar" from "Jawan". His personal favorites include a line from "Stree" and a poem recited by Shah Rukh Khan's character in "Jawan".
When asked about his secret to creating impactful dialogues, Arora emphasized honesty and context. "You cannot do 'dialogue-baazi' for the sake of 'dialogue-baazi'. I can't write anything out of context for the sake of it. Everything works because the film is working, and not because one dialogue is interesting," he stated. He believes that dialogues should enhance the narrative without distracting viewers, making them memorable only when they fit seamlessly into the story.
Future Projects and Personal Aspirations
Currently, Arora is working on Kabir Khan's new film and an undisclosed show, while also preparing for his directorial debut. Despite his busy schedule, he harbors personal writing goals that have taken a backseat. "It is a sore point in my life right now. I keep thinking that I must take out time to write for myself. I want to write a memoir; I want to write poetry," he admitted. He has written poems intended for a collection and has ideas for a novel, but film commitments have limited his time for these pursuits.
Sumit Arora's journey from financial need to Bollywood fame highlights the blend of passion and practicality that defines many success stories in the entertainment industry. His work continues to shape contemporary Hindi cinema, leaving a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.
