Karan Johar after the fiasco of KANK is done with themes of adultery. His next project is tentatively titled “Khan” and will star his dream team of Kajol and Shahrukh Khan. Some excerpts from an interview:
The SRK-Kajol jodi comes with expectations.
I’d like people not to think of the kind of love story they have in their head. This is very screenplay-driven. I have just cast the actors that are required for the film. I haven’t looked at SRK and Kajol as a pair. It’s been written by Shibaji Bhatija and she has done a great job. But I am pertified, mortified and absolutely hysterical about directing this film. I even asked Shibani after reading the first draft, ‘Do you think I am the right person to direct this?’ The tone of the film is such. All I can say is that in my entire career this is possibly the biggest risk I am taking.
A bigger risk than KANK?
KANK, for me, turned out to be a risk. I didn’t venture out knowing it would turn out to be risky. I really don’t know which way this film will go. I hope it goes the way I want it to, because it’s an important film, irrespective of who’s in it or who makes it. But I don’t think there is a better cast than Shah Rukh and Kajol for this film.
Who do you think is most equipped to make it?
Mani Ratnam.
It’s called My Name Is Khan? Or just Khan?
Actually, the title is the only thing that is not final about it. I am still trying to get a title which is my preference, and I hope I get it. But there will definitely be Khan in the title.
Tell me about the film?
It’s an emotional drama (laughs). The other day someone called me and said, ‘Hey, I heard you are making a film called My Name is King Khan and it’s based on SRK’s life.’ I said ‘No, it’s an emotional love story. It’s about a man and his wife but there are a lot of issues and very interesting plot points.’
Finalised the remaining cast for the film?
No. Right now, only Shah Rukh and Kajol are on board; and let me tell you, that was done just two days ago. I was telling Kajol, it didn’t happen the last time around but this time I have to do this movie with both of you. I had to direct this film with them.
Have you seen promos of her film, U, Me Aur Hum?
I have seen one promo and it’s always great to see Kajol. She told me that working with Ajay was like working with the finest director she’s ever worked with. So I am really excited to see the film.
The best she’s worked with? And you didn’t take that as a personal insult!
No! Kajol is a very clever girl and she said that he has directed her amazingly and he has made her look fabulous. I have watched one song from the film and it’s beautiful. I’d gone across to their new house, which is beautiful and Ajay played it for me.
Oh, bonding with Mr D??
It’s all good, yaar. I don’t know how all these stories start. Things between Ajay and me have always been civil, and now they are warm. When I meet him, we chat. I may not have a one-to-one like I have with Kajol but it’s always wonderful to talk to him.
Has Kajol forgiven you for not inviting her for Farah’s baby shower that you hosted?
(Laughs) I’d invited her. I’d told her that it was happening and she had to come but I forgot to tell her the date. But that’s okay. Farah’s cool, so is Kajol. (Laughs some more) I am quite a cadet when it comes to these things, I need lists.
Do you feel the burden of expectations from your next film?
Always. I am complexed, insecure, shaky… everything. Success means nothing. Every day is a new beginning. I still feel like I am yet to make a film I am completely proud of. That I would turn back the clock and say, ‘I don’t need to change a thing.’ Whichever film of mine I watch, I cringe in parts, I get angry with myself... I ask myself, ‘why did I do this?’ I feel I haven’t made a film that is flawless. No filmmaker will tell you he or she has made the perfect film. For me, each film has regrets. I want a hundred per cent satisfation.
How do you view other director’s films?
I always look at other directors films and say, ‘Oh God! They are all so much better than me.’ When I saw Chak De!
How many films do you have in you?
I think, a hundred. Everyday there is a film made inside me. Every time I see a relationship, or witness an emotional moment, I want to capture it. I am all about borrowing from real people, their lives and make movies about them. So I meet somebody, or hear a story, it makes me want to make a film about it. I wish I could. But unfortunately, I can’t.
I would really like to see you do a ‘real’ film. Based on a true story, I mean.
Actually, the film that I am directing now, is half true. It’s based on a true story.
You are joking!
Not at all. I can’t really talk about this but it’s based on a real-life couple and something that happened to them. They are based out of this country. We have fictionalised the second half but the first half is based on a completely true story. The second half begins with what happens to the protagonist, then Shibani fictionalised what could have happened and it works for me totally.
They know you are making a film about their life?
Yes, they do, and I have officially bought the rights to their life.
You can do that??
Ok, bought rights to their story. I think they were also in need... in terms of... Actually don’t want to go there. I just felt that I needed to compensate them.
Karan Johar is a very good director, but he's to change his heroine/heros for his movies, It's always SRK, Kajol, Rani, Prietty!!!!
Why he never assign some other good actresses in Bollywood for his movies, such as Urmila Mathondkar, Vidya Ballan, Sushmita Sin?!
Please Karan Johar, we all know that SRK is your favourite actor, but you have to select some other hero's as well, why not Saif Ali Khan, Salman, Sanjay Dutt - Arjun Rampal is also a good actor, or any newcomer. Ranbir is excellent.
We're borred to see SRK with the above mentioned actresses, please change.. change.. change.
Posted by: Fathiya A. Rahman | February 13, 2008 5:43 AM | Permalink to Comment