Salman: The day you get married...

Kareena: I’ll get married after Salman!

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.

Akshay Kumar is tired of replying to queries about his so-called rivalry with "Blue" co-star Sanjay Dutt. Setting the record straight, he says this is a figment of someone's imagination and they don't have any problems whatsoever with each other.

"Please, in this forum, let me state this for perhaps the last time ever - 'There are no problems between Sanjay Dutt and me," Akshay told IANS.

Since the shooting of "Blue" commenced around a year ago, there was talk of tension between the two stars.

"Yeh sab bekaar ki baatein hain (all this is ridiculous talk). People can imagine something and start writing about anything that comes to their mind. We live in times when such unnecessary gossip makes headlines.

"In fact, I went for 'Mata Ki Chowki' (prayer function) at his place. Would I have done that had there been any problems between us?" asked the actor who is currently shooting for "Houseful".

Akshay and Sanjay haven't worked in a film together for a long time. Their last release was director Raj N. Sippy's "Amaanat", which had incidentally released Oct 14 in 1994. Now, after exactly 15 years, the two actors are seen again in "Blue".

What took them so much time to patch up?

"What patch up?" asked Akshay in an exasperated tone. "Rani Mukerji has been around for 13 years. Her first film was 'Raja Ki Aayegi Baaraat' (1996). Still, both of us have never worked together. Does it mean that we were having a rivalry of sorts and hence would require some kind of patch-up to prove to the world that everything is fine between us?"

He is also happy to declare that Sanjay is the hero of the film and he is the villain.

"That's the fact. He is not just a hero but also has a heroine (Lara Dutta) opposite him. On the other hand, I have sharks as my leading ladies. I don't mind though. It's still better than having none at all. Remember, in 'Hera Pheri', Suniel Shetty had Tabu while I was without a heroine," joked Akshay.

Isn't he bothered about the fact that he won't be hogging all the limelight?

"It is not always the matter of footage. It's about how far you can indeed go in the role that you get to play in the film. You can be a villain and still make an impact. I have just followed Tony's vision here. Whatever he asked me to do, I did it. If 'Blue' works (and I am positive it will), all credit goes to Tony. He has done a tremendous job."

Also starring Katrina Kaif and Kylie Minogue, "Blue" is releasing Friday.

How do you look back at your career from Phool Aur Kaante till All The Best?

I should say that I have been very lucky as an actor in the sense that I have always got the right film with the right director or else life would have been very boring.

How confident are you of All The Best clicking at the box office in a big way?

I have not seen Main Aurr Mrs Khanna and Blue, but since I have seen my film, I am pretty confident about hitting the jackpot at the box office. I am very confident ‘All The Best’ will click at the box-office in a big way. It is a rib-tickling comedy resulting from mistaken identities and hilarious goof-ups.

Are you hogging the show as a producer?

I may be the producer of All The Best but that does not mean that I am hogging the show. Sanjay Dutt fans will be ecstatic to see the actor donning his comic hat after a long spate of serious and intense roles. Bipasha too, after her much appreciated stint in ‘No Entry’ is back to showcase her comic streak adding to the madness that All The Best has to offer. While Fardeen Khan’s ‘rock-star’ look is fresh and appealing, Mugdha Godse looks all set to impress the viewers once again with her ‘natural’ screen presence, after Fashion.

Is All The Best a rip off from Paritosh Painter’s play Uncle Samjha Karo?

In fact, Uncle Samjha Karo has been ripped from a foreign play. We have bought the rights from the foreign writer of the play. Since the subject is in court, I cannot say more about this.

What according to you is the secret of your success as an actor?

I should confess that I have been very lucky as an actor in the sense that I have always got the right film with the right director or else life would have been very boring.

Do you regret having turned director with a flop like U Me Aur Hum?

My directorial debut U Me Aur Hum may have not clicked at the box office but that does not mean that I regret having made my debut with a sensitive film like that. If only I had wanted, I could have easily made my debut with a formula film but then I was very particular that I did not want to do a typical film when I set out to make my debut as a director with U, Me Aur Hum

Do you agree that you have played safe as a producer with a film like All The Best?

I knew that I was not taking a risk because I was not playing 100 percent to the galleries. I always knew that making Golmaal or for that matter Golmaal Returns was safe, because if a film makes you laugh, there is absolutely no risk at all for the maker. I have always believed that life is all about risks. All The Best is one such hilarious film.

How tough was it for you to direct U Me Aur Hum?

Direction was quite tough. If you are planned, direction is not at all difficult. The feedback that I got was that every one loved the second half of the film. If you are planned, direction is not at all difficult. The failure of U, Me Aur Hum did not shatter me because frankly I didn’t expect its collections to be extra ordinary like Golmaal Returns. I knew that making U, Me Aur Hum was part of the game. The kind of appreciation that I got from the audience was fantastic. However, I should confess that I was shocked at the kind of overwhelming reception that Golmaal Returns got at the box office.

p>Was it very difficult to convince Kajol to act in U, Me Aur Hum?

I knew exactly how she would perform and had written the character that she played in the film actually keeping Kajol in my mind. When she listened to the narration, she fell for it and said that she would love to do the role. I did not force Kajol to act in U, Me Aur Hum, just because it is our home production but cast her because I do not think any other actress could have done justice to her role the way she did.

Was London Dreams delayed because Salman and you did not see eye to eye at all?

I have never been an insecure actor. It is wrong to say that Salman and I did not get along with one another when we were working in Vipul Shah’s London Dreams. Salman Khan and I get along very well. We have had no issues either personally or professionally because we respect each other. Vipul is an organized director and knew what exactly what he wanted from Salman, me or for that matter Asin who is playing the leading lady in his film. Why would a director want to spoil his film?

What is your role in London Dreams?

I do not wish to divulge details about my role in London Dreams. Since Vipul has specifically asked me not to tell the media anything about the film before it’s release, all that I can divulge about the film is that it is about two friends, who are working in a musical band called London Dreams. It is a musical drama which has a lot of humor.

There are rumors about a split with Rajkumar Santoshi after Hulla Bol flopped!

Do not jump to the conclusion that Rajkumar Santoshi and I have sworn not to work with one another in future because Hulla Bol flopped and he did not set out to direct London Dreams as per his earlier plan. I have given my consent to Raj and will do a film with him. Raj is now working on the script and the day it is ready and I like it, I will go ahead and work with him.

Which are your forthcoming releases?

Besides Toonpur Ka Super Hero, which has an animated character, besides Kajol and me as the live characters, I also have up my sleeves films like Prakash Jha’s film Rajniti directed by Prakash Jha, who is known for his intense and thought provoking issue based films with the accent on politics, like Apaharan and Gangajal.

What is your criterion for saying yes to a film offer?

Either I like a script or not. The script should excite me. I see whether the producer and the director are both capable of ensuring that the project is completed. I take up a film, if and only if, I am convinced by the vision of the director. I have always believed in the fact that the director knows the best about any film and the actors only jump in and out of the sets. I make it a point to question my directors, though they always have the answers.

You seem to be the only actor who is extra choosy when it comes to selecting films!

It is not that only I am quite choosy as far as films are concerned. Today every actor is choosy. Every one of us is doing just one film at a time. It is only when you do ten films at a time that often you end up realizing that you do not have a choice.

You have surprisingly not jumped into the bait of corporate companies!

I do not want to commit myself for tomorrow. I have been getting a lot of offers from various corporate giants who are now making films. Who knows what is in store tomorrow? Why should I get stuck? When there is no lack of offers, why should I jump into any contract with any corporate and sell my soul to them?

What has been your experience as a distributor?

It was not as bad as people think. You wouldn’t believe it but the fact is that I have not lost any money at all in distribution of films. Thanks to the proliferation of the multiplexes in the metropolitan cities, distributors do not lose money at all these days. The producers of Black lost money but the distributors made money. In any case, as a distributor I believe in playing safe by undertaking to release the films on a commission basis.

To what extent has marriage earlier and fatherhood now brought about a transformation in you?

I feel that marriage and fatherhood certainly change one for the better. You get more responsible and want to spend more time at home with your kid.

Do Kajol and you have any plans for Nysa?

Nysa is too small now for us to think of what she is going to take up when she grows up. All that I would like to state now is that I want her to be daddy’s girl, because though Kajol is able to spend quality time with her, unfortunately thanks to my preoccupation with my commitments, I am able to spend very less time with her.

Though you had started off as an action hero, strangely enough, you do not have even one action film on hand now! Why?

I am keen now on doing an action film because I feel that I have not done one for such a long time.

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.

How would you describe 2009, as far as you were concerned, career-wise?

2009 has proved to be a good year for me since my last film before Main Aurr Mrs Khanna- Wanted has clicked in a big way. The films which I have signed recently are the ones which I really wanted to do. I believed that all of them would do well, whether it was Wanted, Main Aurr Mrs Khanna or Veer or London dreams.

Why do you think Wanted clicked in a big way?

Wanted was a film which wanted a hero. It was an entirely different genre of action film. It worked because it projected the kind of a hero who was lost in the 70’s with who the audiences could identify themselves with and easily relate to. Main Aurr Mrs Khanna is actually a lesson in romance. It is about the fact that a husband is possessive, suspicious and narrow minded unless and until he is a gay. It is the way the younger generation perceives romance in a cool way.

Were you not scared about your teaming with Kareena since Kyonki had bombed?

Kareena’s magic is her spontaneity. She is looking fabulous in the film. So what if Kyonki in which we had been paired the last time did not work? I knew that the film would not work even when I was doing the film but Priyadarshan was not willing to listen to me and asked me to just trust him. It was a depressing film, not an emotional film like Tere Naam, though both of them were remakes of South Indian films.

What is Main Aurr Mrs Khanna about?

Main Aurr Mrs Khanna is different from Wanted. Main Aurr Mrs Khanna sets out to drive home the message subtly that one should not get married if one does not wish to remain loyal and the credit for making a marriage work as well as the gaali go entirely to the girl.

Which are your best as well as worst films?

I have acted in 67 films till date, though I was under the impression that I may have acted in over a hundred films. My best films have been films which have created history at the box office. Like Maine Pyar Kiya, Hum Aapke Hain Kaun, Karan Arjun, Sanam Bewafa, Partner and now Wanted. If you ask me the films which I want to forget, here’s the list. They are Nischay, Jagruti, God Tussi Great Ho and two films of Sawan Kumar- Chandramukhi and Chand Ka Tukada.

Why do you think some films of yours did not do well?

You start a film with the eight intentions but then somewhere it goes awry at times when the producers do not want to spend as they had planned initially when they launched the film and your film goes for a toss.

Why are you averse to watching the original films when you set out to act in their remakes?

I do not make it a point to watch the original Tamil or Telugu versions of the Hindi films which I set out to do because I do not want to be subconsciously influenced by the acting style of the regional actors. I saw parts of the original Telugu version of Wanted in which Mahesh Babu had acted and not Pokkiri the Tamil version in which Vijay had acted.

You seem to take up films with both veteran as well as new directors. Why?

If I have acted with a new director like Prabhu Deva in Wanted or Prem R Soni in Main Aurr Mrs Khanna, I am now also acting with a war horse like Anil Sharma in Veer. Both new as well as veteran directors have their own plus as well as minus points. When I heard Prem R. Soni’s script, I realized that it has been written coolly, eschewing any kind of melodrama. Prem is competent director to watch out! Anil’s forte is lavishness. His shot taking also is excellent and is good at emotional scenes. However, I have to take care that his film dos not look like a 70’s film, because he belongs to the old school.

There is this allegation that you do not plan things!

Yes. I admit I have never planned my career. I have done films at times even out of emotions without thinking about the pros and cons of doing them. I have never ever had any kind of strategy or approach when I decided to take up a film.

Isn’t it scary to compete with two more releases on Diwali?

Yes. I admit it is very scary when I realize that my films like Main Aurr Mrs Khanna, London Dreams and Veer are awaiting almost back to back releases this year, one after them other, but I am not unduly worried because I play different characters in all the films. If Main Aurr Mrs Khanna is a romantic comedy, London Dream is a youth oriented musical while Veer is an out and out period caper.

You do not seem to be too keen on doing any art film!

I am sure about one thing. That is I do not want to preach as an actor. I am here to entertain. I do not want to do art films which bore the audiences to death. I want to give back to my fans, who have made me a big star by doing meaningful films which entertain them.

How happy are you with the way your career ahs shaped till date?

I couldn’t have asked for more from God. I came around the time when Jackie Shroff and Sanjay Dutt had come into the industry. I think frankly I have overstayed in the industry thanks to my fans and producers, by about ten years.

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.

FARAH KHAN, who is now getting ready to direct her third venture Happy New Year for producer Shah Rukh Khan tells JYOTHI VENKATESH that she had shot SRK like Ramgopal Varma shoots his heroines…

Was it always your dream to be a director?

I confess that I had joined the industry as Mansoor Khan’s assistant in direction on the sets of his film Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander only to learn the ropes of the trade as a director, almost a decade ago. However every evening, I used to ask all the dancers to practice the steps that I had devised, to know in what way the dances were different from the ones choreographed by Saroj Khan. One evening, director Mansoor noticed the session.

How did you bag your first assignment?

I shot to fame as a choreographer with the slow motion number Pehla Nasha thanks to Saroj Khan by default. It so happened, that Saroj had left Mansoor’s unit high and dry one day and flown down South to do choreography for a South Indian film, leaving Mansoor Khan with no other alternative but to ask me to step in and rescue him by taking up the choreography for his film. A choreographer was born that day.

Is it true that your mother had acted as Salman Khan’s father Salim Khan’s heroine?

Yes. Not many are aware of the fact that my mother had actually acted as the heroine opposite Salman Khan’s father Salim Khan four decades ago. In fact I, Sajid Khan and Salman Khan had almost grown up together during our childhood and our families have known each other for donkey’s years.

Why do you say that it would be tough for you to direct a film for any other producer after working with King Khan?

I feel that Shah Rukh is the best. After working with an actor like Shah Rukh Khan, it is very difficult for me to work with any other actor. Just imagine I had to take a three second shot and I had told Shah Rukh Khan that I’d require 98 cameras for it. Shah Rukh spent 20 lakhs and got those 90 cameras flown in from London. Though I had told him not to splurge unnecessarily as we could easily do away with it, Shah Rukh told me that he did not believe in compromising on quality.

Is it true that Main Hoon Na was titled The Outsider initially?

Yes. It is interesting to note that the working title of Main Hoon Na before it went on the floors was actually The Outsider, for almost two years. I had written the script in English and every time there was any untoward incident on the sets, Shah Rukh would say Just Trust me. When Abbas Tyrewala started translating the dialogues, there was this line Main Hoon Na coming up in the place of Just Trust Me. When I told Sajid that the title of my film would be Main Hoon Na he told me that it sounded like a Sudhir Mishra film. Karan said that Main Hoon Na was a horrible title while Shah Rukh told me bahut kharab title hai. However I insisted on the title since I wasn’t into K titles like Karan and Ekta Kapoor. My gamble paid off and every one agreed that Main Hoon Na was the apt title after I went ahead and recorded the title song with Anu Malik as the composer.

What do you think about the actresses of today?

Frankly I feel that the actresses of today do not have the poise and the dignity which the girls in 70’s have had. In Om Shanti Om, Deepika fitted the role well, like Hemaji in the 70’s. To prepare Deepika for the role, we gave her voice training and dance classes, besides the three month training in acting course with Anupam Kher.

How tough was it for you to get Shah Rukh Khan to shed his excess weight and get into his six pack abs for Om Shanti Om?

Shah Rukh asked me to give him three months and he worked hard and told me that if he did not get at least six packs he would not remove his shirt in front of the camera, though I felt that at least once he should do an item song. I think it is a great change- over at the age of 42 when others become too old. I shot Shah Rukh like Ramgopal Varma shoots his heroines.

What do you like the best about being a director?

I enjoy being a director the most because as a director, I get to decide each and everything connected with the film, including recording only the songs which I want. I feel that direction is the most fulfilling job. The worst job is writing for the simple reason that it does not come easy to me.

Which episode of Tere Mere Beach Mein touched you the most?

The best thing about Tere Mere Beach Mein was that nothing in the show was actually scripted. After we decided on the theme of each episode, I asked questions randomly

I was touched by the episode on Hrithik. There is this comfort factor with each of my guests which I think will not come if they do not have a personal equation with you. Trust factor works a lot in a talk show like this. If they feel that they are uncomfortable answering any particular question, I readily offer to edit it out, because the idea is that the audiences should identify with what the stars had gone through in their lives and have a connect.

Tell me about your kids!

I have two daughters and one son. I have named my son Czar. Czar means an emperor. I have named my two daughters Diva and Anya. Diva is an Italian word for prima Donna, the main singer in the opera. Anya means inexhaustible in Sanskrit and graceful in Russian. Diva and Czar are similar looking but not identical. Its is said that one in two million triples are identical My daughters are maa ki laadlis and are chipkoos whereas my son is dad‘s laadla. He is elder by two minutes.

Along with Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Hrithik Roshan and Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar is sitting pretty in the Top-5 bracket of leading men that we have in Bollywood today. And now the actor, who would soon be seen in Blue, is wondering if he wants to play the role of a hero for the rest of his life. After working in 100 odd movies and playing the role of a hero for more than 90% of his outings, he is now looking at exploring newer challenges. One such challenge is Blue where he proudly proclaims that he is playing the role of a villain.

"Yes, Sanjay Dutt is the hero of the film and I am the villain. Period", Akshay Kumar sets the record straight here when questioned about the two hero theory surrounding the film.

Is he being diplomatic? "No, not at all", he says with a straight face, "I could have easily said that Blue is a film about two heroes but how can I say that when it is not the fact. The subject itself is such that there has to be a hero and a villain in the film. I fill in the slot of the latter."

In his last outing as an out and out villain, Abbas-Mustan directed Ajnabee [2001], he got quite some accolades coming his way. Now he is expected to repeat a similar feat. "Yes, in Ajnabee Bobby Deol was the hero and I was the villain. I even got a Filmfare award for my performance. It was nice to receive a trophy for playing a villain's role rather than a hero. Then again in Khakee, it was Bachchan saab who was the hero. I had a small part to play in the film, that of a corrupt cop. But I found it interesting and did it", Akshay goes down the memory lane here.

Ever since then, Akshay Kumar has looked at experimenting with his role and played quite a few characters that had grey shades to them. Whether it is Bewafa or his recent release 8X10 Tasveer, he has tried to experiment with his roles and performances.

He also has another special reason for declaring his part in Anthony D'Souza directed Blue as a villain. "I guess it brings certain inquisitiveness amongst the audience when we say that the film has a hero and a villain. It brings in a different kind of excitement", reasons Akshay, "It makes not just audiences look forward to what the film is all about but even an actor. See, for last two odd decades, I have done around 100 odd films and played a hero in most of them. I am tired of playing a hero's role. I want to do something new and 'Blue' gives me that platform."

Akshay Kumar Another point of discussion surrounding the film has been an alleged cold war between him and Sanjay Dutt that has been on for more than a decade. Since the shooting of Blue commenced (around a year back), there were talks about tension between Sanjay Dutt and Akshay Kumar. While it continued to keep the tabloids happy, it also resulted in some precious time being lost for the actors to justify to the entire world that all was well.

Does he wish to comment on the 'issue'? "I guess we all - and by that I mean people attached to the film as well as the members of the media - have wasted quite some time in all the speculations and rumours. I have already stated that things are absolutely normal between Sanjay Dutt and me. Still people out there seem to be so interested in knowing of there is trouble brewing between us. I wish to state for once and for all that we are good together", he comments.

Also starring Sanjay Dutt, Lara Dutta and Zayed Khan along with Katrina Kaif and Kylie Minogue, Blue, which is produced by Dhillin Mehta and has music by A.R. Rahman, would be seeing a massive worldwide release on 16th October.