Q: A multi-talented man, a writer, director and a producer as well. Is there a hidden actor as well?
Okay, at the moment I have undoubtedly shifted from acting in movies. Actually, since the beginning, I had this perception that my interest was more inclined toward writing and directing.Nonetheless, I do help the actors with acting during shooting. I am often acclaimed to be a good actor, but I don’t consider myself to be a good actor. I am a better writer and director.
Q: You have given bollywood industry more than 60 films, what is your most enjoyable part of a project, writing it, producing it, or directing it?
The most enjoyable thing for me is directing because here you work with different people. You travel to multiple destinations and shoot scenes there. On the other hand, writing is a tedious job. Even after writing 60 films, i still consider it to be a difficult job. It requires isolation. You work alone in a room with a blank piece of paper, and this is scarier than manjulika; cause you are not aware of what to write, and where to begin with. Writers block again is very painful to deal with. You are engrossed in it day and night. Directing is comparatively easier, because you have things written out for you, and you are aware of the things that need to be done. Your creativity is observed, through the way you present it, with new ideas.
Everyone is aware of the things and the layout, the songwriter knows the theme, the actor knows the script, its only the writer who isnt aware. Its their job to bring out a new perspective and idea, which indeed is a tough thing. As the year progress, i want to be happier, and more playful, to enjoy more and live among the people. I also believe i have good management skills, be it production or acting. And i enjoy seeking these elements in my work life.
Q: Tell us about your favourite project and the story behind it, being your favourite?
Every movie, that I start is my favourite during that period. I am always excited for them. I have faith in myself, and the passion I have for directing and writing the movies. ‘Pyar Toh Hona Hi Tha’ was my second film, I was sure it would be a hit. While making ‘Deewangi’, a thriller movie, I had the same spirits and ambition. It was my favourite during that time. Later, ‘No Entry’, ‘Welcome’, ‘Singh is King’, whatever movies I had been doing, was my favourite throughout. Right now, my favourite project is bhool bhulaiyaa 2, cause I got to experience a new genre of horror-comedy.
Q: You are actively contributing to the industry since 1978, what gives you the motivation to keep working?
Boss, I am always excited about movies. I live movies, breathe movies and am deeply engrossed in them. I have no hobbies besides it. Either I would be talking about the movies, watching them, or reading about them. I religiously follow each and everything new that comes up for movies. If it were my last day, I would still prefer doing the same, because this brings me the satisfaction of being. I have done multiple movies, yet am never bored of this, I am very happy during shootings and have the same spirits as I did when I began my career. If I were not in this field of career, say if I weren’t a director, I would have been a producer. If not a producer, I would have been a music director. If not for this, I would have been a music director. And if still not this, I would have been a spot boy, I would have been anything and everything in this field of career. This is the industry, that brings happiness to the lives of people and is a big source of joy and entertainment. I want that when people do watch these movies and spend their time here, it should be a memorable experience for them all.
Q: Your father used to be an Urdu poet, did his work inspire you to be a writer?
I believe my father had a major impact on me being a writer. I do remember my childhood days, when he used to sing me ghazals and nazms and ask me to join in, and write. Also, during the poetry meetups, I used to help with host duties and spent a lot of time with these great poets. Later, by my teen years, I had completed reading the books of Galib and his peers. I am grateful to my father for his leadership in helping me with good command of Urdu.
Q: You actually started working at the age of 12, as a child artist in the industry, how relevant do you see that experience in shaping your career?
I started my career at a very young age. It was mainly to earn a living out of it. I had to work multiple jobs and tried my hand at everything. I had worked in writing, editing, sound recording, art department, and ghostwriting. At a point in time, I used to think to myself, what am I doing? Where am I heading? But, eventually, things sorted out. I actually got to know, what I didn’t want to do, which was acting, editing, and art direction. Since joining, Raj Sahab, I was sure of myself, being a director. When I look back, I feel God has helped me gain experience in a myriad of fields of the industry to get the basics of it all, which eventually added to the job of a director. It is like you can only connect the dots backwards, in the end, nothing you learn is ever wasted.
Q: Tell us more about your recent project, “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2”? Should we expect Akshay Kumar in the movie?
The script did not allow us to take in celebrity actors, though their presence would have been a great asset to our movie. This movie specifically required fresh faces and a new outlook. We have always been careful to carry the legacy of Bhool Bhulaiyaa. We cannot control the comparisons that would be made, however, we have tried our best to inculcate a new genre and fresh concept in the movie. The songs that have been released have been a success and we wish the same for the new movie.
Q: How are the energy and working experience with Ki & Ka?
Both Ki and Ka, are fantastic, focused, dedicated and hardworking people. I’ve seen Kiara grow and evolve as a person, at a rapid pace like none other. About Kartik, I have always appreciated him for his work, and have grown our bond through this movie. I am grateful and equally enjoyed the experience of shooting with these versatile actors.