“Alex vs ARod” Director Gotham Chopra Admits He Once ‘Hated’ Alex Rodriguez. Now, He’s ‘Enamored’ by Him (Exclusive)

Director Gotham Chopra Shares His Evolving Relationship with Alex Rodriguez

Director Gotham Chopra has revealed a surprising confession about his initial feelings towards Alex Rodriguez, admitting that he once ‘hated’ the former baseball star. However, in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE at the premiere of his new docuseries, “Alex vs ARod,” Chopra disclosed how his perception of Rodriguez has drastically changed over time.

Reflecting on his past biases, Chopra, a Boston native and self-proclaimed Red Sox “diehard,” expressed his initial reluctance towards the idea of working with Rodriguez. “I mean, my history is I hated the guy,” the director shared candidly. “’A-Rod,’ you know? I’m a diehard Red Sox fan. I hated on that guy for a long time.”

Chopra further elaborated that his mindset shifted after meeting Rodriguez in person three years ago to discuss the docuseries project. “Right from the jump, he was not what I expected,” Chopra admitted. “I feel like I knew A-Rod through all the hating I had done, but Alex was like a really sort of interesting, thoughtful guy.”

The son of renowned spiritualist Deepak Chopra described Rodriguez as a complex individual who defied his preconceived notions. “He’s complicated, he’s not what I expected. And he’s willing to sort of be open and honest and accountable to certain things. So I was pretty enamored right from the start,” Chopra disclosed.

The newfound connection between the director and the former Yankees star blossomed into the creation of the three-part docuseries, “Alex vs ARod,” now available for streaming on HBO Max. The project delves into Rodriguez’s intricate relationship with public life, featuring insights from notable figures such as Hall of Famers Derek Jeter and Ken Griffey Jr., as well as Rodriguez’s ex-wife Cynthia Scurtis and their daughters, Natasha, 20, and Ella, 17.

During the premiere, Rodriguez, accompanied by his family members including his mother, Lourdes Navarro, and girlfriend Jaclyn Cordeiro, expressed pride in sharing his personal journey through the documentary. Ella, Rodriguez’s daughter, commended her father’s vulnerability and courage, urging viewers to embrace the series wholeheartedly.

As audiences delve into “Alex vs ARod,” they embark on a compelling exploration of one man’s evolution in the public eye, showcasing the complexities and vulnerabilities that define Rodriguez’s story. The docuseries promises an intimate and revealing portrayal of the baseball icon, shedding light on the multifaceted persona behind the headlines.

With Gotham Chopra’s transformative perspective driving the narrative, “Alex vs ARod” emerges as a poignant reflection on growth, understanding, and the power of genuine connection. As viewers immerse themselves in the series, they are invited to witness a narrative that transcends stereotypes, offering a fresh and empathetic portrayal of a figure often defined by his public persona.