You are working in a lot of southern remakes.
I have been doing many remakes from the South, merely because these films have done very well all over the globe. Also, any good film if re-written and directed with slight changes does bring out more entertainment value. I prefer films that entertain not only the audiences but also me. What happens when four writers write the script simultaneously? The outcome turns out to be much appealing. ‘Himmatwala’ is not a remake.
There are few resemblances to the yesteryear ‘Himmatwala’ though. No one can just remake an original. I will make a few more south remakes, though I have not yet decided which.
What do you prefer? Movies for the classy or the masses?
I prefer watching both. But, given a chance I would go for an entertaining film first. I prefer watching classy films on DVD.
Is this your best phase?
I am going through a good phase again but this is nothing new. I debuted with ‘Phool Aur Kaante’, which was a stupendous hit. But then I experienced a slack period, despite which I kept working and am now again tasting success. Hard work and luck go together. I like to perform different roles. I have also done a ‘Raincoat’ am doing ‘Satyagraha’. I am happy with my career-graph.
What’s the difference between Rohit Shetty and Sajid Khan?
Every director has a different thought process. While Rohit thinks from the audiences’ point of view, Sajid thinks like the audience himself. During the shots, he always sits in front of the monitor. If he is not laughing when a comic scene is being shot, he will cut it and do a retake.
How do you find Tamanah?
Belonging to Tollywood it becomes easy for an actor to get films. They are trained well. Tamanah is a good actor. She knows how to deliver dialogues to the best of her ability. She is good technically and she knows to take the lights properly. It was great working with her. She is a camera-friendly actor. I did not play any pranks on this new Bollywood entrant as I was busy playing pranks on Sajid.
What do think of Sridevi’s comment?
We are not making a ‘Mughal-e-Azam’. No one can beat this classic. The ingredients can never be compared to ‘Mughal-e-Azam. She is right in saying that our ‘Himmatwala’ is not a ‘Mughal-e-Azam’. I consider my debut film ‘Phool Aur Kante’ as ‘Mughal-e-Azam’ for me. And for that matter, she too should consider her first film here ‘Himmatwala’ as ‘Mughal-e-Azam’ for her.
When do you go on vacations?
Usually, I like to take my family abroad while I am shooting out there. My daughter loves to travel. This is one time when I can also be with my family while working. However, this summer we have not decided anything.
What do your parents mean to you?
The upbringing of children is very important. While my father completed all his duties and sacrifices towards the family, my mother played an important part in inculcating ethical values in me. Their teachings enable me to take the right decisions in life. It becomes very important to take a stern stand at times. Thanks to my upbringing I am able to survive.
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