How did London Dreams happen?

I was still shooting for Ghajini but Vipul had seen some of my South Indian films. So I got a call from him and he said he had a role of a headstrong talented girl in his next directorial venture after Namastey London. Obviously I was excited at the sound of it! (laughs) I love Vipul’s cinema, he showcases emotions really well and his films always have strong music. So it was actually a no-brainer that I wanted to be a part of this project immediately on hearing its script. In a way, this is my first authentic Bollywood film even though Ghajini released first. That's because I had already played Kalpana in the south version of Ghajini before doing the Hindi remake with Aamir (Khan).

Tell us the experience of working with Vipul Shah!

Fabulous! Vipul is very organized, he does his homework really well so when you reach the sets the shot break downs are done, he knows exactly how he wants the scene done. And I am a complete Director’s actor. It’s important for me to understand my director’s vision and in that sense Vipul is very giving. I’ve been spoilt by him because now I think I will always want all shoots to be as planned! (Smiles)

Tell us something about your character in London Dreams?

I play a south Indian girl, Priya, who is emotional but strong willed and ambitious at the same time. And she has two radically different sides to her. At home she’s a traditional girl clad in Indian outfits but the minute she’s out with friends, she’s a fire brand, and that shows in the way she dresses. And she’s also partly responsible for the conflict between Salman and Ajay’s characters. So it was a wholesome character to play.

This is the first time you’re working with big names like Salman Khan and Ajay Devgan. What was that like?

When I came on to the sets of London Dreams I didn’t know them. I knew they were way senior and was anxious just like any newcomer would understandably be. And then I'd heard so much about them from different people. Salman has a ‘bad boy’ image. Many told me that he was very temperamental and erratic! Having worked with him I dispelled all those myths. I got to see a sensitive actor who had an absolute ball on the sets and went out of his way to make everyone comfortable. Both Ajay and Salman are also great off screen friends and that shows on celluloid. Ajay, contrary to popular belief, was not reticent at all. He was very helpful and friendly! I realised that you find out the truth about people only when you work with them and get to know them better.

Tell us about the music of London Dreams!

Oh! There’s so much that I can say! (smiles) London Dreams has a backdrop of a rock band so it’s only right that the music should be an arterial part of the film. And I think that Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy have done complete justice to the film in that sense. The music is melodious but remains true to the essence of the film. It’s a very holistic album- there’s the masti of Punjab and the edge of contemporary music. I personally love Man Ko Ati Bhaave and Tapke Masti; they’re fun songs!

Everyone is waiting for London Dreams with bated breath. Tell us why we should watch it?

It's an absolutely stunning looking commercial entertainer with emotions, humour, music and drama! It's a big one for the families! We had a blast shooting it in the UK and I took back some really fond memories with me. The fantastic time we had on the sets and the chemistry between all of us will show on screen!

Actor Akshay Kumar talks about his film Blue...
Aren’t you working too much these days?
I don’t think so. Recently, when we shot in London for Housefull it was like a family holiday. It was like a picnic. Houesfull is an emotional comedy. When Sajid Khan told me we were done with 90 percent of the film in Europe I couldn’t believe it. Our families were there. Once I was back in Mumbai my schedules got stressful. That’s why I like shooting abroad. I came back to Mumbai last month to shoot two songs for Blue.

Do you enjoy shooting songs as much as all the other aspects of a film?
I enjoy being in front of the camera, period. It doesn’t matter whether it’s to put sindoor in the leading lady’s hair or to wipe it off.

The rapport between you and the Blue director Tony d’Souza is supposedly amazing.
Tony took really good care of his cast. Though Blue is his first film you can’t really make it out. He’s a very hard-working man. Of course, I want Blue to work for my sake. But more than me it’s Tony who deserves to succeed. I hope he succeeds. Regarding our rapoort it’s all about the vibes you give to the director as an actor.

You’ve established a long-standing rapport with many directors?
Why just directors? It’s important to have a rapport with producers. You’ve to be thoroughly professional, finish your work on time. I feel it’s more important to be a good human being than a good actor.

When you are shooting abroad you also escape all the gossip and controversy?
No, that you are clued in to wherever you are. You can’t get away from that. Trust me, if I’m shooting abroad and no one calls me I’d get very anxious and insecure. After every shot every actors checks his missed calls. If after three shots there’re still no missed calls it’s time for pack-up.

Do you enjoy the freedom of moving around freely abroad?
You mean because of the fans? But there are Indians in every part of the world. And they do call out to you, wave and say hello. But beyond that they leave you alone. My son loves skating. We went skating in Hyde Park.

Do you want to direct a film?
Not really. I’m very happy being in front of the camera. I’m happy being an actor and a producer.

Are you producing a film with Shah Rukh Khan?
No, not at all.

Are you working in a film with Trisha?
Yes, I am. Priyan is planning something. I love working with all kinds of co-stars, new or established doesn’t matter. I’ve worked with three new girls in Priyan’s Garam Masala. And that was a hit. Hopefully, Trisha will be a hit too.

Blue is the first Hindi film to go underwater?
I think the movie should’ve been called Red. The sea is now filled more with the blood of killed fish than the blue of the ocean. And now there’s my own blood in the ocean.

What do you mean?
I got badly injured doing an underwater sequence. I hit my head 150 feet under water and blood just started oozing out. I was in a daze. I’d have been dead. I could’ve been eaten by one of the sharks. It happened while I had to kick a goon underwater. For the action shots the oxygen tanks were removed. You can’t control your body movements underwater. I hit my head in a sunken ship. Blood started oozing out. The unit was in a panic because sharks get instantly attracted to the smell of blood. There were 40-45 sharks around me. One of the unit guys quickly stopped the blood from oozing out of my forehead. Two sharks actually smelled the blood and started coming my way.One shark chased me all the way to the top of the ocean as I swam back to safety.

Were you frightened?
Not at that time. But looking back I realized anything could’ve happened. I realized sharks are not a threat to you until they feel threatened by you. Now do you know why I think Blue should be called Red?

Was Blue the most difficult film you’ve ever done?
By far it was the most difficult film. Every morning going underwater. It’s the toughest film I’ve ever done. I don’t know what bigger challenge I can throw at myself... except shoot a film in space. I’d also love to jump down from the Empire State Building.

Didn’t you once say you won’t do these dangerous stunts now that you’re a father?
If you saw Khatron Ke Khiladi (Fear Factor) I warned audiences not to try the stunts. I don’t want any harm to come to anyone while trying my stunts. I do them with a lot of precaution. But at the end of the day I know with my caution and experience I could go badly wrong with my stunts.

Is it worth it?
I’ve seen stunt men lose their lives in front of my eyes because of one wrong move. The wind can suddenly change its direction during an aerial stunt and you’re gone. I know it’s dangerous. But I just love doing stunts. It’s a thrill I can’t stop myself from. I tried to stop it for my son. But I can’t. I suppose it’s my one addiction in life.

AUDIENCES WILL NOT CRY WHEN THEY WATCH BLUE BUT IF IT GOES WRONG, I WILL

ANTHONY D’SOUZA tells Jyothi Venkatesh

Are you scared that Blue is being released in competition with All The Best and Main Aurr Mrs Khanna?

I really wish that I could say that I am not at all worried about competition and pray that more films should be released during Diwali, because I welcome competition. But the truth is that I am scared, because there are only good films and bad films and not big films and small films. Bollywood tends to be incestuous, because though we keep on bickering, at the end of the day we end up hugging one another. I wish that All The Best, Main Aurr Mrs Khanna and my own film Blue had been released one after the other separately, without cutting into each other’s throats.

Can you elucidate?

I have not shown my four year old son the promos of All The Best, because if I show him the promos of All The Best, he will like to see All The Best and not Blue.

How big is Blue according to you?

I still honestly have not realized how big is my film Blue, because at heart, I am a kid who feels that he is getting paid for blowing up cars.

Were you not scared to shoot with real sharks?

I was not at all scared to shoot with real sharks and whales because I feel that the most dangerous species on this earth is not the sharks but Man himself.

Which are the directors who you admire a lot?

Imtiaz Ali, Anurag Kahsyap and Shriram Raghavan are the directors who I admire a lot. However, if you were to ask me whether I’d be able to compete with them, all that I can say is that I would not. Instead I’d like to stick to my strength.

What is your strength as a director?

Visuals, style and flamboyance are my strengths as a director.

How did you bag the opportunity to direct your debut film?

I am a new director and had never even assisted any filmmaker before I bagged the opportunity to direct Blue. To my credit, I have only directed 75 ads and 25 music videos. I had also directed the 52 episodes of the popular TV show Ripley’s Believe It Or Not. It was thanks to John Abraham, who I had literally hounded almost for three years from the time he had made his debut with Jism, who put me in touch with producer Dhilin Mehta of Shri Ashtavinayak Films.

Why did you not cast John Abraham in your film?

When Dhilin asked me whether I wanted to cast John in my film, I told him that I did not want John because his image as a biker is still too storing after Dhoom and hence I wanted Akshay Kumar and Sanjay Dutt in my film. It was Sanjay who suggested that I cast Zayed as his brother in the film. Zayed is fabulous in my film as an actor. It is a pity that he has still not been exploited to his maximum potential.

In what way is Blue similar to Jaws?

Blue is similar to Jaws, Abyss and Deep, only as far as sea and action are concerned, not as far as it’s concept is concerned.

Would you agree that Blue lacks the emotional quotient?

Yes. Emotional quotient is lacking in Blue because it is a film which will not make you cry. It is a roller coaster ride to great entertainment. If it flops, of course it is I who will end up crying. The only person, who should be blamed if the film goes wrong, is me.

What kind of films do you want to make as a director?

I want to make films which kids of five would see, laugh and jump. I do not have the sensibility to make art films like Uski Roti, because I remember when I went to watch that film, a guy who was bored with the film started walking in the theatre from left to right almost throughout the show .

What is your ambition as a film maker?

My ambition is to make a dark romantic film, because I believe that true lovers will never have a happy ending. Romance cannot be happy by itself because two human beings can never be the same. Even a marriage can survive only when one of the two is ready to make compromises. I am married and my marriage is a success because my wife was ready to make compromises.

Do you plan to make a sequel to Blue?

Blue does have an open ending, but it is not intentional. Whether to make a sequel or not is a call which will be taken by Shri Ashtavinayak Productions who have spared no pains to make the film the costliest in the history of Indian Cinema.

Have you planned your next film?

My next venture will also be an action packed film, though it will be in an entirely different league. Besides having Sanjay Dutt, Akshay Kumar, Zayed Khan, Lara Dutta and Katrina Kaif, my next film will also have three more big stars.

Will it also be a multi star film like say Salaam E Ishq?

Spare me. I am not a sensible director like Nikhil Advani to set out to make a film like Salaam-E-Ishq.

Shall I say all the best to you while signing off now?

Please tell me All The Blue and All The Best, because I have directed Blue and not All The Best. (Chuckles)

I HAVE NOT DECIDED WHETHER PARTNER 2 WILL BE AN EXTENSION OR A SEQUEL

SOHAIL KHAN tells Jyothi Venkatesh

How nervous are you about the fate of your film Main Aurr Mrs Khanna since it is clashing with two other biggies like Blue and All The Best?

I am not nervous at all, because I have seen my film and am confident about its success. Yet I think there is absolutely no point if I say that my film Main Aurr Mrs Khanna alone should run. All the films should do well and the film industry should prosper. If the film industry is not there, what will I do? I would only wish that all the three films should run at the box office, especially because all belong to dynamically different genres.

Would you go and watch the other two films?

If Main Aurr Mrs Khanna is a romantic film, All The Best is a comedy and Blue is an action film. I will make it a point to see the other two films. It all entirely depends upon what the mindset of the audiences is when they decide to go and watch a film during Diwali holidays.

How happy are you with the way Main Aurr Mrs Khanna has shaped up?

No one launches a film thinking that he will make a bad film. I am happy with the way Main Aurr Mrs Khanna has shaped up. The entire credit goes not only to me, the producer or Salmanbhai the actor cum producer or Prem R. Soni the writer and director. Every one starts a film with the right intentions. It is not the actor alone, but the team work that is important for a film to shape up as well as the producer expects it to. It is sad that sometimes due to external factors, even good films do not run at the box office, but you cannot help it. What is important for a film is that it should be released at the right time at the right place

Do you think the audiences have faith in your film since Partner and Wanted had clicked?

If you, as a producer and your leading man have a track record of delivering hits, the audiences have faith in your product. Luckily for us not only did Partner, my last release as a producer do well at the box office, Salmanbhai’s Wanted too has created history at the box office.

What is the USP of main Aur Mrs Khanna?

Besides Salmanbhai who is the main USP of my film, there is a lot of involvement of the youth in every department of the film. Prem. R. Soni is just 34 year old and is making his debut as a director. When we decided to launch Main Aurr Mrs Khanna, we planned well in advance and then executed the project.

Is it true that Ronnie Screwvala has withdrawn the name of UTV as the producer because he and you have had a tiff?

Let me re-iterate that I am only the creative producer of Main Aurr Mrs Khanna. Ronnie Screwvala of UTV is the main producer. If he did not want to announce the name of UTV in the publicity at the time of release, the reason is that he is in the midst of transition as far as his company is concerned and not because Ronnie and I have had a tiff, as was splashed in a section of the media.

What made you decide to back a new director like Prem R. Soni?

I had confidence in myself when Prem narrated the script to me and Salmanbhai in just five minutes. I realized that there was soul in the story. Bhai also liked it immensely, because it is a film on relationship and friendship and hence as a production house we decided to engineer the project.

What is the message that Main Aurr Mrs Khanna set out to drive home?

Communication is what attracted me in the first place to the subject. The film sets out to drive home the subtle message that in every relationship on earth, there should be proper communication.

Did you cast yourself just because you are the producer of the film?

I cast myself along with Salman and Kareena because Prem wanted to cast both me and Bhai together in the film. I play the role of Akash. How Salman, Kareena and I come into one another’s life forms the crux of the story.

What do you like the best about your job as a producer?

I confess that I have not seen success at all as an actor, though I have received a lot of appreciation. However, as a producer, I have succeeded. I am of the opinion that producing a film is the biggest gamble that I indulge in. I do not know to play cards. I like putting people together and pooling in talent and producing films because I like to learn from different talents.

Why do you think Kisaan did not click at the box office?

You obviously feel happy when a film of your clicks. If a film of mine flops, I sit back and think and analyze why it flopped. I think that you tend to improve when you taste failure. I feel that you tend to learn more from your failure than your success. Though I did enjoy making films like Partner earlier and Main Aurr Mrs Khanna, I would say that Kisaan was close to my heart as a producer. It was my bad luck that the film was released along with seven other films during Ramzan. It was a learning process for me as a producer. I learnt that as a producer if you do not know how to market your film, your film would not click at the box office.

What are your plans as a producer after Main Aurr Mrs Khanna?

After Main Aurr Mrs Khanna, I have plans to launch Partner 2. We have not yet decided whether it would be a sequel or an extension of Partner. If it is a sequel, we may cast other actresses opposite Salman and Govinda, but if it is an extension of Partner, we plan to rope in both Lara and Katrina in the film. Besides this project, I would also be the executive producer of Arbaazbhai’s production venture Dabang which will star Salmanbhai and Sonakshi, Shatrusaab’s daughter in the lead.

Bollywood actor Salman Khan says there is no war or rivalry between him and his colleague Shah Rukh Khan. He said stories of friction between them are created by the media and that he is tired of such “news”.

“There is no war between us. It is the media who creates all this misunderstanding,” Salman said Tuesday after his ‘Being Human’ show at the ongoing HDIL India Couture Week.

“You will ask me some question about him here and then you will ask him the same question regarding me somewhere else – then you clip them together and run it continuously on TV screens for days creating unnecessary hype and misunderstanding,” he added.

The actor clarified that he is tired of such rumours and doesn’t enjoy them at all.

“I would request you to show respect to him and me as well. I am tired of all this. Aren’t you people bored too?” asked Salman.

Aren’t you working too much these days?

I don’t think so. Recently when we shot in London for Housefull it was like family holiday. It was like a picnic. Houesfull is an emotional comedy. When Sajid Khan told me we were done with 90 percent of the film in Europe I couldn’t believe it. Our families were there. Once I was back in Mumbai my schedules got stressful. That’s why I like shooting abroad. I came back to Mumbai last month to shoot two songs for Blue.

Do you enjoy shooting songs as much as all the other aspects of a film?

I enjoy being in front of the camera, period. It doesn’t matter whether it’s to put sindoor in the leading lady’s hair or to wipe it off.

The rapport between you and the Blue director Tony d’Souza is supposedly amazing.

Tony took really good care of his cast. Though Blue is his first film you can’t really make it out. He’s a very hard-working man. Of course I want Blue to work for my sake. But more than me it’s Tony who deserves to succeed. I hope he succeeds. Regarding our rapport it’s all about the vibes you give to the director as your actor.

You’ve established a long-standing rapport with many directors?

Why just directors? It’s important to have a rapport with producers. You’ve to be a thoroughly professional, finish your work on time. I feel it’s more important to be a good human being than a good actor.

When you are shooting abroad you also escape all the gossip and controversy?

No, that you are clued in to wherever you are. You can’t get away from that. Trust me if I’m shooting abroad and no one calls me I’d get very anxious and insecure. After every shot every actors checks his missed calls. If after three shots there’re still no missed calls it’s time for pack-up.

Do you enjoy the freedom of moving around freely abroad?

You mean because of the fans? But there are Indians in every part of the world. And they do call out to you, wave and say hello. But beyond that they leave you alone. My son loves skating. We went in skating in Hyde Park.

Do you want to direct a film?

Not really. I’m very happy being in front of the camera. I’m happy being an actor and a producer.

Are you producing a film with Shah Rukh Khan?

No, not at all.

Are you working in a film with Trisha?

Yes I am. Priyan is planning something. I love working with all kinds of co-stars, new or established doesn’t matter. I’ve worked with three new girls in Priyan’s Garam Masala. And that was a hit. Hopefully Trisha will be a hit too.

Blue is the first Hindi film to go underwater?

I think the movie should’ve been called Red. The sea is now filled more with the blood of killed fish than the blue of the ocean. And now there’s my own blood in the ocean.

What do you mean?

I got badly injured doing an underwater sequence. I hit my head 150 feet under water and blood just started oozing out. I was in a daze. I’d have been dead. I could’ve been eaten by one of the sharks. It happened while I had to kick a goon underwater. For the action shots the oxygen tanks were removed. You can’t control your body movements underwater. I hit my head in a sunken ship. Blood started oozing out. The unit was in a panic because sharks get instantly attracted to the smell of blood. There were 40-45 sharks around me. One of the unit guys quickly stopped the blood from oozing out of my forehead. Two sharks actually smelled the blood and started coming my way. One shark chased me all the way to the top of the ocean, as I swam back to safety.

Were you frightened?

Not at that time. But looking back I realized anything could’ve happened. I realized sharks are not a threat to you until they feel threatened by you. Now do you know why I think Blue should be called Red?

Was Blue the most difficult film you’ve ever done?

By far it was the most difficult film. Every morning going underwater. It’s the toughest film I’ve ever done. I don’t know what bigger challenge I can throw at myself…except shoot a film in space. I’d also love to jump down from the Empire State Building.

Didn’t you once say you won’t do these dangerous stunts now that you’re a father?

If you saw Khatron Ke Khiladi (Fear Factor) I warned audiences not to try the stunts. I don’t want any harm to come to anyone while trying my stunts. I do them with a lot of precaution. But at the end of the day I know with my caution and experience I could go badly wrong with my stunts.

Is it worth it?

I’ve seen stunt men lose their lives in front of my eyes because of one wrong move. The wind can suddenly change its direction during an aerial stunt and you’re gone. I know it’s dangerous. But I just love doing stunts. It’s a thrill I can’t stop myself from. I tried to stop it for my son. But I can’t. I suppose it’s my one addiction in life.

How do you feel now that you have bagged a Katana?

To receive a Katana is considered an honour amongst the Japanese and Kukukai International told me that they decided to hand it over to me since they felt that it would be fitting since I have always propagated martial arts in India. I am thrilled and glad that I have been honoured with a Katana, a tradition practiced by Samurais and Martial artists and a 6th degree Black Belt in Kuyukai Gojuryu Karate as well by Kuyukai International from none other than Shihan Hirano Osamu, who is the world wide head of Ku Yu Kai. Few in the world hold this kind of an honour.

Does this recognition give you even a bigger kick than being a Bollywood bigwig?

This is my beginning as a karate learner in my journey to be a grand master. I started when I was a tiny tot and I have been working for this for the last 35 years. Anything to promote my art keeps me going. To tell you the truth, even if five films of mine were to click back to back, I’d not be as thrilled as I am today with this honour.

Your Blue is being released with Main Aurr Mrs Khanna as well as All The Best during Diwali. How do you feel?

I feel that if the film is good, it will run, whether it is a solo release or not. Blue is the first film shot in Bahamas under water with sharks. I am confident that the hard work that we put in Blue will pay us big dividends. It is Anthony D’Souza’s first film as a director and I am sure it will put him in the league of big directors.

Do you think your son Aarav will follow in your footsteps?

Right now, Aarav is too young for me to say whether he will take up acting or martial arts in future. He is just 7 years old. Right now he watches only Tom and Jerry cartoons. If Aarav wants to join martial arts he is welcome. Even if becomes a painter, as a father I’d be very proud. I am watching Aarav growing up to be a small Bruce Lee with his uniform in an orange belt. I used to do that when I was a kid. This will prepare him for his life ahead. I hope all dads will give their children the same opportunity to learn martial arts. I want to prove to parents what disciplined lives you get when you train for martial arts.

Why did you think of holding the first ever National Karate championship in Mumbai?

Mehul Vora, who is also training Shatrughan Sinha’s son Luv and my son Aarav, is the technical director and organizer of the first ever invitational National Karate championship. This is for the first time that I allowed him to attach my name to a tournament like this though earlier I was promoting martial arts in my own way without any publicity or fanfare. Mehul convinced me to give me name, since I want to give bigger canvass to martial arts in India. I want every child to experience a world class event. If the event goes well, I have plans to take this outside India too.

Do you feel like a warrior now?

I do not feel like a warrior, because I do not have that kind of mentality. The first thing that you learn when you get Katano is not to kill any one but vow to fight against all kinds of evils in you. One who conquers all evils in oneself is a true warrior.

Tell me something about Master Shozo Ujita!

Way back in 1952, he had begun training under Master Shozo Ujita, the past President of the Go-Ju-Kai federation and continued his training with Shihan Gogen Yamaguchi from 1963. In fact, he is currently one of the senior most Gojuryu karate grandmasters of the world equivalent to rank of Hanshi 10th Dan. The passing of the Katana is carried through generations of warriors and grandmasters.

In what way has learning martial arts helped you, as an actor?

I have always felt that it is great to meditate. Learning martial arts has helped me in every stage of my life, as an actor. I tell all parents to give a chance to their kids to go ahead and learn martial arts, because self defence will always help them in their lives in the future.

Not just karate alone but any kind of martial arts is important. I am of the opinion that discipline helps you, whether you are an actor, builder or a dancer. Since I feel that the younger generation needs to be instilled with the kind of discipline that I have been having, I am trying to promote martial arts by having a four day tournament in Mumbai in a small way with as many as 2400 children from all over the country taking part in it. I hope that one day this tournament will emerge in a big way.

Are you planning to start a school of martial arts in Mumbai?

Yes. I need four acres of land to start a school of martial arts in Mumbai. As and when the government is ready to grant me land in a prime area, say like Lokhandwala Complex, I will be ready to start a school.

You seem to be the only action hero who is into martial arts in Bollywood!

Though I promote martial arts through action in my films, I am not the only actor who is into action and stunts. Today every actor is doing great action in films, whether it is Ajay Devgan, Sanjay Dutt or for that matter Salman Khan and are good at it. Why just actors, today there are several young and beautiful girls also who have proved that they are no less when it comes to action by doing bold stunts in Khatron Ke Khiladi Fear Factor Level 2.