Ekta Kpaoor big Interview

I have to find my own Salman Khan!

Ekta Kapoor on fighting her own demons, facing roadblocks, the star system in Bollywood, caring a hoot about fashion police, and her role models--Jackie Kennedy and Amrita Pritam   

Afsana Ahmed

High achievers spot rich opportunities swiftly, make big decisions quickly and move into action immediately. Clearly Jeetandra’s daughter Ekta Kapoor- the young achiever who startred her career at the young age of twenty--aptly fits this saying. Stepping out of her comfort zone on TV after doing about 70 shows she had successfully changed her medium to cinema but not before proving herself here again. Now ready with her most expensive production to date, the Rs.100 crore Once Upon A Time In Mumbai Dobaara, Ekta understandably is tensed and edgy. She doesn’t take kindly to media reports that don’t align with her thoughts. “I don’t read newspapers especially when I have a release coming up. But I’m fed the content and that’s how I react or sometimes overreact”, she admitted.

We met up at the lounge of a suburban hotel. Kapoor was fasting for Ramzan that day. In a flowy black chiffon gown, she looked pretty. And Ekta managed to turn few heads as well she walked towards the table I’d occupied. “It’s my aspiration that gets me the pressure. But in the day of the release I become calm” she says starting the interview.  

The just released Chennai Express, touted as your rival has kicked off in a rather big way. Does that add upto your anxiety?

I’ve learnt one very important lesson from this recent hullaballoo. There are spare rooms for all films. The media scares us a lot by pitting us against each other. You cannot predict the future of a film. There’s no point in getting angry or disturbed. Whatever is going to happen will happen.

 As for Chennai Express’ great opening, I’m happy for them. Infact my nervousness has come down a lot now. Even though we wanted to come on Eid, it didn’t work out as planned and we gave them a clean seven days. Now we can relax and release our film.

Tell us the exact reason why OUATIM Dobaara was postponed?

I know there have been many speculations right from MNS’s involvement to Shah Rukh Khan speaking dad out of it. But I know the real reason. I shifted the dates only for my mom. She was looking after the distribution set up and was awfully stressed out that my decision would affect our business. I was fine with releasing OUTIM Dobaara in few theatres on Eid as only a handful of theatres were available. That was my plan. But mom was thoroughly stressed out and I couldn’t see her in that state anymore. Also, bigger the studio bigger the clout. When I was in Harvard, my CEO called me and conveyed mom’s state. Her happiness is worth more than any professional tussle and I stepped down.

So is OUATIM Dobaara your big ticket ?

While it’s very scary on one hand, I’m emotionally and mentally ready to jump into the big ocean. If OUATIM Dobaara works then I will go ahead to make many more big films else I will go back to make small films. We pray it works. Gangster and Akshay Kumar is a great combination. And he is very naughty in the film. He is playing a bad boy the villain. 

You’ve worked with two very big stars Ajay Devgan and Akshay. What about working with the big daddies (Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and Aamir Khan)?

These guys work on a different league. They have got their own relationships with the big studios and they are comfortable in that set up. I will meet them as all of them are very lovely people. But to make a film with them it will take me much longer. For instance to reach Salman today you’ve to make fifty people around him happy. So what’s the point? Anyways, his four coming years are booked. And even if I go to him with the best project he won’t have time. I would rather spend time creatively working on a project and making a film that may become a biggest hit and launch a big star out of it. Therefore I have to find my own Salman Khan.

Sounds interesting? Pull quote

Yes. I have to bet on the younger lot like a Varun (Dhawan) or a Sushant (Singh). Adi (Chopra) had once bet his money on Shah Rukh Khan. I have to cultivate that guts to bet on some one new and create one star. I’m result oriented but not success oriented.

Pg 2

We have seen the worst time when dad lost his stardom!

Or

I’m not one of those who hire clothes and attend parties.

Who amongst the younger lot you feel could become a big star? BOX

Amongst the girls I would say Parineeti (Chopra). She is the classic case of a girl next door yet the fire in her is so palpable. Amongst the guys I can’t really say. I have a soft corner for Sushant (Singh) as I have worked with him before but and I’m now working with Varun and Siddharth (Malhotra). These guys come with lot of energy. Now what will happen to their career depends on the choices they make. You don’t know who’ll be supported by luck. I’m working with all the new kids and none of the big daddies.

But isn’t having big daddies on one’s CV vital in Bollywood?

Why just Bollywood? Big brands always add weight. I’m working with Akshay sir. He is a huge star. Imran Khan and Emran Hashmi are big stars too. I strongly believe that a studio (production) can grow on its content and not on alliances alone. Alliance can run out but the content can’t run out. I agree Bollywood was functioning in a different way earlier. Producers would hang out on sets of films to please the actors.

We all know Ekta is an achiever in every sense of the word, but she’s also quiet hot-tempered and hyper. Right? BOX

I am a type A person. They are the people who get heart attacks very fast. They get tensed easily, are most angry and most hyper. I am also a hypochondriac which very few people know. I also get scared fast and carry my tension to my bed sleep.

But hasn’t the know-hows of the world mellowed you down by now?

Yes, I have calmed down a. I don’t take people for granted anymore, nor do I fire people. I internalize stress which I think is quiet harmful for a person. There is a philosophy that says that you should let it all out. If you let it grow inside you let grow the stress. So I have stopped screaming which is good for the world but bad for me. But having said this, I am not a paragon of virtue. I am spitfire. My anger would come back if I’m pushed to the wall. In the meantime, I have tried to find solutions to my own demons in my head. That’s’ the best way to survive. I also reach out to my dad, because he gives me the right advice.

Your rage has cost you many good associations in the past? BOX

It’s a big myth. People who work with me know it. There is a saying in TV industry that we don’t leave Balaji, we only go on a holiday. People who have worked with me for 9-10 years are in touch with me. They have moved up in life to higher jobs. So when there is a fight for the third person it’s a gossip, but for the people involved, we know how valuable we are to each other. So be it giving them raises, financial help, cushy jobs or even fighting with the HR head of my company for my people, I would always be in the front. So this is incorrect. Most of my core team stays with me. I am working with the same people whom I worked with 15 years back.

How do you justify that Balaji films are high on sexual elemnets?

They have been very edgy too. When I started my career on television, my strategy was to make mass oriented stuff. And in doing so we suppressed the edgy kind of content. You tend to dilute even the normal conversation for the TV audience. So essentially it was all bottled up.

And you found your creative release through movies?

I thought let’s do something edgy and that’s how we channelized our creative freedom.  

There was LSD (Love Sex Aur Dhoka) that talked about youth and the fabric of youth as far sexuality is concerned. There’re revenge sex and MMS happening. Then came The Dirty Picture about a woman and why is she looked down upon if she is okay with her sexuality. Then, there was a sex comedy followed by gangster flicks.

I’m sure, with your brand name, you could have had a bigger and better lineup of films than the ones you started with? BOX

I was from TV background who was famous for making typical television dramas for a certain kind of audience. So I had to face lot of discouragement and distrust in the industry regarding my perceived sensibility. So you see, I was stuck with my own limitations. What could I have done? I didn’t have three Khans ready to work with me. I was the new producer. So I really worked hard and from whatever resources I had I focused on building them. I concentrated on smaller, high concept films and create the right noise about them. Thankfully I had got Ajay Devgn (Once Upon a Time in Mumbai) and I can never forget the fact that he supported me, heard the script and told me that I will work with you because you are very hardworking and I love your script. He saw some spark in me and said I am with you. That meant a lot!

Which Khan refused your offer? box

One of them and I cannot name him. But they were very nice to me. Because of my dad the doors were open but contrary to popular belief, they weren’t open in such a way that I could have put a foot in the door. Entering the room is a completely different story. So it was like, ‘the daughter of well-known producer wants to become a producer. Chalo mil lete hain.’

Do you feel you’re strategy has worked well?

I don’t know, but I certainly hit the road. And now my agenda is to take the big leap.

  

Have you seen all those things? BOX

Yes I have seen those things more than anyone else. Producers would hang out on the sets of Dad’s film set when he was a big star. But I have also seen my dad’s worst phase and how these people disappeared. So I decided when I grow up I shall not hang around on the sets of stars and instead build up my own content and relationship with people who will respect me for my work. I have learnt to internalize my own success and failure. Luckily we all grew up realising that family is above all.  

Your fashion sense has constantly come under attack especially your black platform sandals? How do you see all these? box

Murder me for it but I’m not going to change. I believe in wholesome fashion not the refined sorts. And I’m a producer not an actor! So why am I suddenly measured with the parameters of the actresses? I haven’t changed my room for years now. That’s my comfort zone and that’s what I’m. I buy my clothes and I will repeat them as many times as I want to and attend functions and parties in them. I’m not one of those who hire clothes and attend parties. There’re many who indulge in this cheap stuff.

As for my ugly platform sandals that have been written about so much, let me tell you I’m flat- footed and I don’t want to end up with knee problem so soon in my life. I can’t walk around in those stilettoes. I believe in comfort.   

Anyways, whoever is observing such silly things are too shallow and frivolous. Get a life!

 Which character from history, you think you’re a lot like? BOX

Jackie Kennedy. She’s super multi-tasker. She handled so many things at the same time, yet she played the role of a perfect housewife!  It shows the solidity of the person.  I want to do TV, films, manage friends, family, and be a good sister and an able daughter. I want to be able to wear many more hats.  

I also feel I’m a lot like Amrita Pritam (author) She was bold and creative. She questioned the norm and never followed it.  

k� N u , �� P� CE which had been written and kept with me since 2008. I didn’t work on it as I wasn’t getting the right cast for it. I think it was meant for Shah Rukh.  

Given a choice, would you redo any of your films?

No. I’m extremely happy with the way my films have turned up. I wouldn’t want to touch them. If you’re talking about remaking my own films, I think my films are too young to be remade. And, a caution to all, nobody should think of remaking my film for the coming twenty years.  

Would you like to remake someone else’s film?

If I reveal the name of the film that I may plan to remake at some point in life, people will immediately jump and probably get the rights of  the movie, thinking ‘Yeh movie mein kuch khaas hoga’ (there’s certainly something special about the film). And before I know it, they will announce it as their project. So, it’s better for me to keep quiet.

Owing to your looks and physique, people feel that you can easily become an actor in Bollywood. Has the thought ever tempted you?

Oh no. I’ll be a terrible actor because I’m very conscious before the camera. I’m also bad at emoting. Nobody will come to watch a film that features me.

Who is your favourite heroine from the past and the current lot?

Hema Malini and Nutan were my childhood crushes! I met Hemaji once when dad took me to the set of a film. Both these ladies stole my heart with their beauty and grace. I still remember the song ‘Dil ka bhanwar’ from Tere Ghar Ke Samne (1963) that picturised on Dev sahab (Anand) and Nutanji. Her expressions in the song were mind-blowing. From the current lot, I would say Kareena (Kapoor), because I have worked with her and she’s like a family member. I’m quite close to her. Deepika (Padukone) is another actress who has managed to make her place in the industry. She’s matured amazingly as an actor. I really admire Priyanka Chopra as a performer too.

I’ve heard that you’re working with Salman Khan in Karan Johar’s production.

Yes, the film that I’m doing with Karan will be a hardcore commercial film. But, I haven’t finalised the story yet. And, till the time we don’t have the final script, there’s no point in discussing the star.

How will you carry forward your father’s legacy?

There isn’t anything so big for us to carry forward. Yes, I will keep his name alive by working hard with a lot of honesty. Somewhere up there he’s happily watching us.

We heard that there would be two choppers waiting outside the sets always?

Not always, but for sequences which required their assistance, there were two choppers standing by at any given time. That’s a big thing though. That is what I mean by producer Shah Rukh Khan’s generosity. But I would also like to give credit to the team. My cameraman, dialogue writers Sajid-Farhad, story writer, editing team, action directors, stars, music directors, spot boys, drivers and everyone else.

Ajay Devgan's Big Interview

  Real man do not go for cosmetic surgery, they age gracefully!

The self-assured, box office certified, and moviestar of all season,Ajay Devgn talks about fighting for your belief, Botox on men, global warming in the film industry and Kajol’s return to movie  

 Afsana Ahmed

“Ajay sir will quickly wrap up a channel interview and come up in few minutes,” says his long-time manager ushering me to the star’s suite in a five star suburban hotel. Minutes slip into an hour and but there is no sign of Ajay Devgan. A little later he walks in.

No show-offs, no noisy entourage and no starry aura, not even for a second I felt that a movie star had entered the room. Yet, odd it might seem to some but I think Ajay Devgan’s sex appeal and his magnetism lies in his nonchalant demeanour and his compelling honesty. There is something very raw about this man and perhaps that is his greatest connect with the audiences. “Man should be like man—real and rugged”, he said lighting a cigarette.

Never mind Rascals, forget Himmatwala, Ajay has moved on…. and this year he has got Singham 2; Prabhudeva’s film and few more to finalise from amongst many other scripts. Gung ho about his upcoming film Satyagraha, Ajay uncorks himself for a candid chat.

Excerpts from the interview.  

We have just recovered from Himmatwala. Your next film Satyagraha is coming up, but you haven’t indulged in any aggressive promotion despite admitting that marketing is key to success today. Why is that?

Agree marketing is vital and we have done whatever is required to push it. It has no item number and such films are not easy to promote. This film has a different sensibility and is competing with anyone so we have done our best and left everything to the audiences. 

The multiplex war which started with your film last year was gain in the news with Balaji Films and UTV locking horns. What are your thoughts on it?

 I anticipated this outcome in their fight because I went through it myself. But I stood my ground, and I succeeded in whatever way I did. I went to court as well. At that point, there were lot of whispers in the industry that I wasn’t justified in taking legal actions. I knew at that point that it wasn’t going to help my film in way but I could see that it was going to become a bigger problem for others. But nobody took me seriously and today it is happening to someone else. Anyways, the bottom-line is clear that there is no unity in the industry. So let people suffer.

Means?

I’m not gleeful at someone’s suffering, but unless you experience it you will not know the problem. It’s emerging that the film industry has no unity! In South there is so much unity amongst the producers and nobody can mess around.  

But had you withdrawn from the theatres if your film was doing roaring business? What do you think is the dynamics of this kind of war? Power play?

If I had made a promise I would have. It’s about principles. But again, to each his own. I have nothing to say. Coming to your second part more than power play, it’s the studios that have started these sort of practices. For instance, one studio makes 8 films in a year and the other studio is making only 3 films in a year.  So the studio with 8 films has more power and if he will put in his demands saying I’ll not give you all my 8 films if don’t give me X number of screens. The theatres owners have no option but to give in.

Your friend Rohit Shettty has given Shah Rukh Khan-- touted as your rival-- the biggest opening for a cinema so far. What kind of thoughts crossed your mind?

I’m happy for Rohit. When for the first time Rohit and Shah Rukh met, Rohit called me up and said, this is what I have been requested to do. I said you just go ahead and do it. Frankly, I don’t know about the film because I ‘haven’t seen it but I’m glad that it has made money. It’ll certainly have a spiralling and a positive effect on things to come. It’s good for the industry, good for Rohit and very good for Singham2.

Today all the stars--male and female--go under the knife or use Botox to look younger, what’s your take on it?  BOX

(Laughs) I seriously don’t know who does it. Everybody seems to deny it so looks like it’s a well-kept secret. Personally I don’t believe in it. Do I look like I have done anything to my face? See, there are two kinds of people, one is typical good looking, handsome boy and one is who has great presence as a man. The latter age gracefully, their lines also look nice so does their grey hair. People like that. Even women like that. You stay healthy too. But when a boy, who is a typically good looking boy, ages he starts looking awkward. And right now I think amongst my contemporaries I’m the youngest, so I have not thought about Botox and all that.

PG2

Kajol’s next film will be my production.

But isn’t it important for the movie stars, because they are in front of the cameras?

It depends on what you want and how you want to grow on or off screen. If you decide those lines look nice on you then it looks nice. I mean you see in Hollywood. So when you talk about Pierce Brosnan or Robert De Niro or anybody in their old age they have their presence intact and you don’t mind seeing them on screen. But if you talk about Tom Cruise who is handsome in a boyish, I think age he will not look good on him.

You said you haven’t seen OUATIMD but I’m sure you must have seen the promos. You have played the don in the first part and now Akshay Kumar has also played a don? How do you rate him? box

(Laughs) You can’t judge anything from the promos, you have to see the film to comment what the director has made him do. And it is for the people to decide how he has done it. I might be a little biased also. So I cannot judge anything and even if I feel anything, I will remain quiet about it.

Do you enjoy doing gangster role in films?

Once in a while is fine. I was offered a gangster film recently but I refused. Like I said earlier, I have a staggered approach to choosing roles. When I did Company where I played a don, people appreciated it and years later I did OUATIM though I was very apprehension about it. So in my head I worked out strategies how to enact it differently. So right now, if I have to play another Don, I will have to figure it out how differently I can portray it, otherwise I’m not going to touch it.

Coming back to the multiplex war, what is causing the disorder in the film industry? What do you think could be a possible solution to such problems?

Everybody is out to kill each other and do their own business. Competition is getting steep. I don’t want to take names, but if they don’t get united then it will get worse. It’s sad but that’s the truth and I’m not scared to speak.

A law has to be passed. Two years back there were two films coming on the same time either in Diwali, Eid or some other festival and everybody was getting fair share of theatres, success and money. Look at Dil and Ghayal or Lagaan and Gadar, they released on the same day and did well, because they were not trying to secure their film and kill each other. Everybody is going to fall in the trap until some law is made. My case is in the court, I don’t know what will happen, but if tomorrow everybody unites, the law will be made.

Don’t you want Kajol to make a comeback in movies?

Of course I want but with the right kind of the films. We’re working on a script for her hopefully it shall happen soon. I won’t be acting in it but producing it. She is very hard working and follows a healthier diet and workout regime than me.

You’re one of the rare actors who have successfully experimented in every genre, whether it is comedy, drama, action or serious roles…But what is your comfort zone?

As an actor I cannot be comfortable being uni-dimensional. I am lucky that audiences have accepted me in every genre. That’s a great compliment for an actor. If I have done a comedy it gets difficult for me to immediately take up a same role again. I have a staggered approach to choosing my films.

Movie stars make lots of money..

It’s magnified perception. We make money, but compared to the big industrialists it is nothing. If anything it’s the love and adulation of the public which is our biggest earning.  

Satyagraha doesn’t sound like a commercial film?  

Yet it is strong commercial films which will have a huge connect with the audiences. I like the fact that this film is about the youth, their angst, their aspirations and how they want to take things forward. They want to lead, and that’s a great sign. Thirty years back the youth didn’t have that many opportunities as today. They only had Government jobs through which they could live their dreams. That’s why nobody could raise their voice against issues concerning the country. But today with job markets opening up the youths are more socially, and economically empowered and therefore more aggressive and fiery in their outburst. Media has also been a strong part in bringing about this change. 

Many feel this is a great time for cinema. Do you endorse their sentiments?

Yes it is a good time in many ways, but not without the pitfalls. We may be rapidly rolling but the soul of the film industry is gone. The warmth that marked relationships here is no more. Earlier we would just walk into each other’s set and say whatever we want and not be misunderstood. We used to do films where we would make contracts just for the sake of it like for instance tax returns and other similar stuff. There was a lot of trust in things agreed on principle and nobody would disrespect it. Today you have to make fat contracts with each and every line highlighted. I understand these are part of professional set ups, but I can also see a lot of distrusts and scepticism creeping.

Like how?

In the way to making things system driven, relationships are being affected. But I feel the older lot like us (not counting everyone) still share the same warmth unlike the younger lot today. They’re very clear cut in their approach. I don’t think any of them mix their professional and personal life together. Unlike us, they don’t do films because so and so is their friend. They keep their emotions out of their work unlike us. In a way it is good. It’s all become very business oriented though.  

If you say it’s good sign what do you find unpleasant about it? box

It’s like global warming. Industries are increasing, productivity is fast growing but we are ruining the environment. It’s good for business, but bad for the environment because it is ruining it. It’s an unhealthy sign when you’re talking about human relationships.

So what do you do when you miss the good old days?

Nothing. You also become indifferent eventually and move on.

Ajay, you’re not perceived as very ambitions? Pull quote

I’m ambitious in my own way. But that doesn’t mean I have to be cut-throat. I’m only concerned with my work and I also want my career to be on my own terms which I’m doing it. So I’m satisfied, happy and not on a chase.

Do you sit to discuss the promotions of your film when the marketing is strategized? box

Yes, I do sit and discuss how a film should be promoted but I don’t want to cross a point and do stupid things which will appear stupid in my own eyes. I’m not judging anyone but I’m not stooping to some level to promote a film.

Please specify?

There are lots of things people create like issues and controversies, play games etc. etc. I wouldn’t go to that level as I don’t believe in all this just to promote film.  

Rohit Shetty's Big Interview

In our line more success means more money for the producers

Every top actor and producer in the country wants to work with him right now. Presenting Bollywood’s most wanted man — Rohit Shetty

Afsana Ahmed

afsana.ahmed@hindustantimes.com

The best thing about Rohit Shetty is that he doesn’t claim to make movies for the intellectuals. He is a director of popular cinema and he would rather earn mass audience than earn a few nondescript stars (by film critics) which have no value for him. While he is scorned, the fact of the matter is that the guy knows how to make a well-crafted popular film, even when the content doesn’t merit any sense and significance.

That is why it is interesting to delve into the mind of the man, who makes movies that overflow with idiocy but bring in the laughs. “So long as my audiences understand my intent and laugh with me, I’m fine. My audience is my king,” says the critic-proof, new rock star of the box-office.  

Emerging as one of the high-ranking directors of our time, who has had uninterrupted success with seven back-to-back hits, Rohit has once again taken the box office by storm with Chennai Express (CE ) crashing every possible record and crossing the R200 crore mark.

Over to Rohit.

How does it feel to be the man of the moment?

The opening of the film was fairly unprecedented and it left all of us very happy. But I’m realistic enough to understand that six months down the line another blockbuster will come and smash the records of our film. Now, coming to your question, I do not feel that I’m the man of the moment. There’s a lovely saying by Michael Jordan that ‘talent wins games, but teamwork (and intelligence) wins championships.’ CE is clearly a team effort. We have all worked very hard on it.

You must be struggling to keep tab on the movie offers pouring in.

It’s a great feeling that everyone wants to work with you. But I think everyone knows that my calendar is set and announced, so unfortunately I’m not inundated with any extra feelers. Nobody has called me (laughs). I’m starting Singham 2 in December and after that a film with Shah Rukh Khan again. I’m writing the story and discussions about it are going at a rapid pace. 

BOX

More success means more power and more money. Are you getting better with money and enjoying the power?

In our line, more success means more money for the producers (smiles). Yes, a little bit of power comes along with success and helps everyone if a film takes off. But nothing is permanent in any business and things are more transitory in show business. So, honestly I want to make some money fast.

You’ve entered the exclusive club of brand names now. That must feel good, right?

Well, I was always proud of being who I am. But with seven back-to-back hits, I slowly see my name being taken with more respect. But honestly in my personal space, I’m yet to figure out what exactly being a brand ensues. I’m aware that there are many pros and cons and most certainly it is a big pressure to live up to the expectations. Actually it’s a bit scary or maybe my unfamiliarity with this space is making me talk like this.

BOX:

If you had the option of asking one thing from these five stars what would that be?

Shah Rukh Khan : Start my movie immediately. I miss you a lot.

Salman Khan: Let’s do a film together. If I go to you, don’t say no.

Akshay Kumar: Start your day a little late. I almost walked in my sleep when I had to meet him thrice for 6 am meetings.

Aamir Khan : Work with Rohit Shetty.

Ajay Devgan: Keep loving me always.

It’s common knowledge that Shah Rukh Khan’s star power drove audiences to the theatres. But the fact also remains that you are the captain of the ship. Why are you shying away from sharing the credit?

Alright, I was navigating the ship but without Shah Rukh Khan we would have sunk midway. He’s the most generous producer I’ve ever met; he’s my star and guide. He never questioned me, or discussed anything when I talked about the budget. He never had a doubt in his mind about my suggestions. He stood by me like a rock, so in such circumstances it’s natural not to feel elated because CE is not my lone effort.

BOX

There was a recent report that your half-brother (Hriday Shetty, from your dad’s first marriage) had disowned you? Does that hurt?

Naturally it was awkward for me when the report came out. My mother was also extremely upset. But he and I spoke about it and he denied it. He said that he didn’t say any such cheap thing. It was twisted to suit the nature of the gossip of the publication.  My brothers and I talk to each other. The other day he texted me saying he loved Chennai Express. Anyway, we don’t have any problems as it was made out to be.

PAGE 2:

I’ll be a terrible actor because I’m very conscious before the camera

I’m God’s chosen child

Your karma should be good and everything else will follow.

Continued from P 1

BOX

Critics usually pan your movies. Most of them haven’t spared even Chennai Express. How upsetting was it?

I don’t take them seriously as so far they haven’t given me a reason to do so. I believe when something is made from the heart, it connects easily. My films do not promise anything more than just some silly laughs. It’s not for those who analyse such movies as case studies. It’s not for cynics and self-proclaimed intellectuals. A true intellectual in any field will be critical and analytical in the right and healthy sense. It’s a treat to get feedback from such beautiful minds, but sadly India largely lacks professional critics that exist in western countries. A lot of hard work goes into the making of a film, whether I do it or another director does it, and I strongly feel that they should give us that much of credit. Don’t make us look like buffoons. Also, this set of critics change their opinions everyMonday. They all text you excitedly on Friday. The next day, you see the reviews. Who cares? What we genuinely wait for nowadays is the audience’s reaction. It is my king.

What do you consider as the turning point in your life, work-wise?  

It would be my first Golmaal (2006), which changed everything around me. By God’s grace, I never had to look back. Things just started unfolding for me.  

Who is your favourite star today?

That’s a tricky question, but I will answer it. Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and Ajay Devgn are the three people I admire the most. From the younger lot, I like Ranbir Kapoor’s work.

You’ve worked with Shah Rukh and Ajay. Have you ever offered a film to your idol Amitabh Bachchan?

Even though Amitji (Bachchan) has seen me from childhood, somehow I’m still scared when he is around. As a child, I used to go to the sets of his films with dad (veteran stunt-master MB Shetty) and would quietly observe him from a distance. Recently, he shot a song for me in Bol Bachchan (2012). I would love to work with him. It’s my dream and hopefully as and when it comes true, I hope to not be dumbstruck on the sets and be able to direct him. I seriously want to write a script for him.

 What kind of role would you write for Mr Bachchan?

I want to see him in a hardcore commercial film with great action sequences and cars flying across. I also want to see him indulging in some energetic dance. It has to be a rock star role! I’ll write it soon, but before taking it to him I have to be convinced about it.

Your personal story is quite inspiring. Is there a lucky mascot from the past that has always been with you?

I’m God’s chosen child. So, I don’t worry or carry anything extra to feel the strength. I’ve always felt the power of God beside me. For people who do not understand the depth of such a feeling I can just say, there’s God in honesty, truth and sincerity. And your strength lies in just instilling these qualities in you.

On the physical level, I always keep my team with me. They’re my lucky mascots. They guide me, keep me grounded and criticise me, and I always listen to them. I get to learn a lot from my team. I don’t get to show my gratitude to them, but through this article, I want to thank them. They’re most valuable to me. They were the first ones to see the first promo of CE, and rejected it straightaway. I trust them immensely.

Are you religious?

Your karma should be good and everything else will follow. You’re running because of your luck and it is your karma that takes over when luck is not in your favour. Your good karma will always win over your bad luck. I’ve seen a lot. Today, we have four SUVs in my house. But there was a time when I used to travel in the local train to reach my school.

How did your closest friend Ajay, react to your success with Shah Rukh?

He is very happy for me.  

When successful, everyone has someone to express gratitude to. Other than your mother and God, whom would you like to thank?

Behind every successful individual, there’s always more than one person. I would want to thank Ajay for getting me out of oblivion and for giving me a place in the sun. I remember one day, actor-director-writer Neeraj Vora came to my office to narrate a play that he had done. The play was called Aflatoon, which became Golmaal. I would also thank Shah Rukh for helping me carry forward my dream by giving me this movie. I had gone to him with the script of the Angoor (1982) remake. But, he chose CE which had been written and kept with me since 2008. I didn’t work on it as I wasn’t getting the right cast for it. I think it was meant for Shah Rukh.  

Given a choice, would you redo any of your films?

No. I’m extremely happy with the way my films have turned up. I wouldn’t want to touch them. If you’re talking about remaking my own films, I think my films are too young to be remade. And, a caution to all, nobody should think of remaking my film for the coming twenty years.  

Would you like to remake someone else’s film?

If I reveal the name of the film that I may plan to remake at some point in life, people will immediately jump and probably get the rights of  the movie, thinking ‘Yeh movie mein kuch khaas hoga’ (there’s certainly something special about the film). And before I know it, they will announce it as their project. So, it’s better for me to keep quiet.

Owing to your looks and physique, people feel that you can easily become an actor in Bollywood. Has the thought ever tempted you?

Oh no. I’ll be a terrible actor because I’m very conscious before the camera. I’m also bad at emoting. Nobody will come to watch a film that features me.

Who is your favourite heroine from the past and the current lot?

Hema Malini and Nutan were my childhood crushes! I met Hemaji once when dad took me to the set of a film. Both these ladies stole my heart with their beauty and grace. I still remember the song ‘Dil ka bhanwar’ from Tere Ghar Ke Samne (1963) that picturised on Dev sahab (Anand) and Nutanji. Her expressions in the song were mind-blowing. From the current lot, I would say Kareena (Kapoor), because I have worked with her and she’s like a family member. I’m quite close to her. Deepika (Padukone) is another actress who has managed to make her place in the industry. She’s matured amazingly as an actor. I really admire Priyanka Chopra as a performer too.

I’ve heard that you’re working with Salman Khan in Karan Johar’s production.

Yes, the film that I’m doing with Karan will be a hardcore commercial film. But, I haven’t finalised the story yet. And, till the time we don’t have the final script, there’s no point in discussing the star.

How will you carry forward your father’s legacy?

There isn’t anything so big for us to carry forward. Yes, I will keep his name alive by working hard with a lot of honesty. Somewhere up there he’s happily watching us.

We heard that there would be two choppers waiting outside the sets always?

Not always, but for sequences which required their assistance, there were two choppers standing by at any given time. That’s a big thing though. That is what I mean by producer Shah Rukh Khan’s generosity. But I would also like to give credit to the team. My cameraman, dialogue writers Sajid-Farhad, story writer, editing team, action directors, stars, music directors, spot boys, drivers and everyone else.