Mumbai, August 19, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Filmmaker Subhash Ghai has recalled an encouraging interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi from 17 years ago, when Modi was serving as the Chief Minister of Gujarat.
A video shared recently by the X handle ‘Modi Story’ features Ghai recounting his 2009 visit to Gujarat, where Modi had invited him for breakfast at his residence.
Ghai said he had approached Modi with the idea of establishing Whistling Woods International and initially expected to encounter bureaucratic hurdles. Instead, he recalled being surprised by the then Chief Minister’s enthusiasm and quick response.
During his presentation, Ghai told Modi that education needed an artistic perspective for holistic human development and that cinema could play an important role in achieving this.
According to Ghai, Modi appreciated the idea and asked him what he needed to establish the institute.
“I asked for land to which teachers are also able to commute easily,” Ghai recalled.
He said Modi then instructed his secretaries to help identify suitable land along the highway between Ahmedabad and Vadodara.
“I have told them. From here up to Vadodara, choose any land along the highway. Because we want you to open Whistling Woods in Ahmedabad,” Ghai recalled Modi as saying.
Ghai further recalled that Modi told him he could contact him directly if there were any delays or difficulties from his secretaries.
When Ghai pointed out that the officials were senior officers, Modi reportedly responded that they had several responsibilities and could potentially overlook the matter, while stressing that he understood the importance of Ghai’s proposal and wanted the institute to be established there.
Ghai said the interaction was particularly memorable because it was the first time a Chief Minister had spoken to him in such a manner.
Ghai founded Whistling Woods International (WWI), a film, communication and creative arts institute, in 2006. The institute offers education and training in various areas of the media and entertainment industry.
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