"Javed has got a wicked good sense of humour so, he would pull everyone's leg on the sets" - Samar Khan 
By Bollywood Hungama News Network, March 28, 2008 - 15:16 IST
In Bollywood, it is always an unsaid rule that 'There is nothing a Khan can't'. This 'rule' explains the reason why the Khans (Aamir, Saif, Salman, and SRK- in random order) always rule the silver screen. Well, here's presenting one more Khan who is definitely different, in the sense, while all others flirt with the camera, he chose to be behind the camera and make others say 'Cheese'. Simply put, he is a director, who has to his credit, Kuch Meetha Ho Jaaye, a film that was so sugary sweet, that it can put even the world's best tasting chocolate to shame! Even though the film didn't light up the Box Office, Samar Khan's efforts stood out like an oasis in the desert.
Bollywood Hungama proudly presents an interview with the man who is all set to take the Box Office by storm with his latest offering Shaurya, through his never-dying grit, determination and of course 'Courage'!
What is Shaurya all about?
The film revolves around an issue which largely affects almost every one of us today. It deals with an issue of prejudice towards certain race, culture and sections of people, with the military backdrop. It also highlights the very fact that whether we have courage to stand up for such wrong doings. However, despite the serious issues the film deals with, Shaurya promises to be an entertainer.
Despite the serious issues the film deals with, Shaurya promises to be an entertainer.
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What are the respective characters of Rahul Bose, Javed Jaffrey, Kay Kay Menon and Minishaa Lamba?
Rahul Bose plays a defence lawyer in army who comes across a case which tests his conviction and ideology. Similar phase comes in Javed Jaffrey's life as he is a public prosecutor in the same case. Minishaa Lamba plays a journalist and Kay Kay, the brigadier in the army. The film deals with the incidents that affect these characters and their own ideologies.
What do you have to say about Rozza Catalano in the sizzling item number?
Rozza is a wonderful girl to work with and a good friend of mine. She has been picturized in the song which is a part of the story so, I would not like to call it as an item number. It wasn't that we developed or devised a song just because we wanted Rozza in the film. She is very much part of the film. Rozza is a great human being and a dancer and looks amazingly stunning in the film.
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Rozza is a great human being and a dancer and looks amazingly stunning in the film.
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Are you satisfied with the way the film has shaped up?
I am more than happy and feel that if a film deserves 100 percent, I have given 99.9 percent to this film. We have worked very hard as a team on the film. I personally believe that if you have good actors performing, half the battle is won. It has shaped up well and hope the audience feels the same way.
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I personally believe that if you have good actors performing half the battle is won.
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Hmmm…good performers mean half the battle won, then, why haven't you opted for big stars for your films? Wouldn't that mean the absolute victory in the battle? Even in your last film, you had Arshad Warsi who though had Munnabhai on his back, wasn't really a big commercial star. Anything against big stars….
I choose actors who suit the best for the roles. If Rahul Bose fits in very well in the character of lawyer in Shaurya, why would I even think of some other actor? Yes, star power does work wonder for the film. But today stars like SRK do four films under big banners a year, out of 15 offered by other producers. So I feel it's very difficult to sign the actors rather stars you want to work with at least in the initial stages of your career although Shah Rukh was generous enough to do a cameo in my film.
SRK has recited a poem in Shaurya. Tell us about your association with him?
Shah Rukh is a wonderful human being, someone who respects talent and goes out of his way to bring him / her it into the limelight. He has been a great support throughout my career. And, I think the word 'thanks' is too small a word to express my gratitude for his contribution to this film. Jaideep Sarkar has written the poem but its real essence lies in the recitation by Shah Rukh Khan.
Coming back to Shaurya how is the music of the film?
Well, Adnan Sami has come up with some wonderful melodies which is one of the USP's of the film. Javed Akhtar has penned down some fabulous lyrics like 'Dosti Kya Hai' and 'Dheere Dheere'. I am very happy with the end results.
What do you think went wrong with Kuch Meetha Ho Jaye?
I believe 'Commitment' is the key word to success. And, if this word is missing during the making of the film, nothing can stop it from going into doldrums. So, I feel I somewhere did not give my best to it despite good performers and writers. Thus, I take the responsibility of the debacle of the film. However, life does not end and one has to learn from his/her mistakes to move on in life, which I did by giving 100% to Shaurya.
Today, directors are recognized with a particular genre they master in. What do you think which genre will become your forte?
Honestly, Shaurya is a crucial test for me to evaluate whether I have understood the craft of filmmaking or not. Things will eventually fall in place as I make more films. I think it's too early to decide on my forte as far as the genre is concerned as a filmmaker. I will be able to figure that out in due course of time.
Some of the recent films that dealt with military cases like Tarkieb or say even Pukar for that matter, Agni Pankh, all of them bombed at the box office. So why did u decide to play with this theme again.
Military is just a backdrop in the film. As I mentioned earlier, Shaurya deals with certain issues that are very much prevalent in our society. These issues could have been showcased with a different backdrop. I have spent three years in the National Defence Academy as a trainer but could not continue due to some reasons. My fascination for army has grown since then. I completely admire the way they conduct and uphold their moral values and fight for the country. So, I decided why not make a film on army forces.
Since you have also been a movie critic, what's your take on the films that are made in Bollywood these days? Where is our cinema heading?
Filmmaking has undergone a sea-change. I would not just give credit to the new technology but the wide-range of cinema our filmmakers are offering nowadays, where on one hand there is a sensible film like Chak De! India and on the hand we have an entertainer like Om Shanti Om. Today, the thin line between off-beat and main stream cinema has become invisible due to multiplexes which are unbiased when it comes to screening of films. A new term called 'Independent cinema' has emerged and films like Bheja Fry are welcomed by the audience with the same zeal as they have for films like Welcome.
But being a film critic you definitely must be having an inclination towards certain kind of films?
I feel every film is unique and it's unfair to compare films like Chak De! India which is full of drama and Om Shanti Om which is a complete masala film. Every filmmaker has a certain vision with which he /she makes a film. And if today's audience is willing to
take a risk of watching a film without preconditions, it gives a fair chance to the filmmaker to bring their vision in picture. At the same time, not every film is accepted by audience, one which is not good definitely faces a bad time at the box-office.
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If today's audience is willing to take a risk of watching a film without preconditions, it gives a fair chance to the filmmaker to bring their vision in picture.
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What is the USP of Shaurya?
I think, combination of good script and some outstanding performances by the actors is the USP of the film.
What are your expectations with the film?
Well, I can't predict about the box-office fate. However, one thing is for sure that if 40 people will come to see the film, 39 will come out praising it. That's all I am expecting as of now.
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One thing is for sure that if 40 people will come to see the film, 39 will come out praising it.
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Some other films like Bhram, Khuda Ke Liye and Sirf- Life looks greener on the other side, which also stars Kay Kay, are releasing with Shaurya. How do you think the business of your film will be affected?
I have no idea and think it's hypothetical because no one can predict what will affect the other film in what way. There are around three to four releases every Friday. So, there would be certain section of audience wiling to watch my film and others to watch Bhram. At the end of the day, it's the word of mouth which decides the fate of the film.
Share some special moments which you still cherish during the shoot of the film?
Javed has got a wicked good sense of humour so, he would pull everyone's leg on the sets. He would make fun of Rahul Bose on his eating etiquettes and Minishaa Lamba
on behalf of all the actresses who would put loads of neat make-up. At times, I would be his target as I would come in shorts or bermudas while shooting. It was great fun shooting Rozza as I would interpret the conversation between the choreographer and her. And, Rahul not comfortable with dancing would make his own steps during the shoot. We had a gala time during the shoot of that song. He is an intelligent and well-read guy and healthy group discussions had become an everyday affair. However, the most memorable moment was the last day of the shoot which I feel is very memorable for every director as it's the end of one chapter in his/her life. It comes with certain satisfaction that he/she has accomplished the job which he/she had set out to do.
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