What went wrong between you and Apurva Lakhia?
Problems started when I rejected the script of Mission Istanbul. Frankly, I thought it was a complete trash and I didn't want to produce it. In fact, when he took his idea to other producers they told him clearly that his film would see the light of the day only if I supported him. And I was just being practical. Who would want to invest money in a director who had films like Mumbai Se Aayaa Mera Dost and Ek Ajnabee to his credit? For Shootout at Lokhandwala, I gave him a script, a huge star cast, a huge budget and complete creative freedom.
But Apurva claims that he hasn't been paid
It just shows how ungrateful he is. His payments have been ready for a long a time. He didn't come to collect his money, which amounts to Rs five lakh. We even dispatched a letter to him on August 20 regarding the same. We are a reputed production house. Why would we hold back such a small sum?
There were some post-production problems too…
Well, he wasn't there for the post-production of the film. 3,000 feet of footage was just lying unattended. It was editor Bunty Nagi and I who gave shape to the film. Apurva was busy attending award ceremonies. He went on a location recce for Mission Istanbul when he should have been here, giving finishing touches to Shootout… Are all other actors who work with me stupid? Apurva has lost his mind.
Is it true that the Bachchans did Shootout… for free?
It was clear from the onset that Abhishek and Amitabh Bachchan would not take any money from us because of their close relationship with Sanjay Dutt and Apurva Lakhia. I have spoken enough about this issue. I want to work with Amitabh Bachchan in all my films. But I don't approach him as he refuses to take money, and I feel embarrassed. I am amazed that Apurva has dragged them in this mud slinging.
Ekta Kapoor seems keen to bring about reconciliation between Apurva and you. Are you ready?
I have no problem with him. But every time he sees me in public, he runs away from me. Ekta has tried her best to sort the matter. Even I have moved on. I hope he lets me be and does his own work.
You relationship with Sanjay Dutt ran into troubled waters…
What troubled waters? Sanju is still the chairman of my company, and we are still the best of friends. I agree that people have tried to play mischief but nothing could strain our relationship. In fact, it has brought us closer. Sanju and I laugh over all the rumours. Sanju is my pillar of strength.
You and Neha Dhupia seem to have buried the hatchet
Yes, we have. I admit that I was very upset with Neha, and never wanted to work with her again. But we have decided to let bygones be bygones. We just hugged and made up. Neha has already shot for Alibaug and has signed another film with us.
What next?
Well, I am around. And I want to see what Apurva will make of Mission Istanbul.
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