Back in B-Town

After a hiatus of four years,the veteran director has managed to spring a surprise again. His next,Sadiyaan,is a period film with newbies Luv Sinha and Ferena Wazeir. “I have always noticed that our audience is very dreamy. Give them something that makes them feel good and put in a powerful message and you are sure to do well,” he says.

The film,scheduled to release on April 2,is yet another saga on the Hindu-Muslim divide. “Although it talks about the age-old divide,it is important in today’s context. The film does not favour any community,but upholds love and human relations. Both the debutant actors are extremely hardworking and are a delight to watch. They will come across as a new brand of actors on screen,” says the 49-year-old filmmaker.

Kanwar has managed a casting coup of sorts by bringing together the South Indian beauties,Hema Malini and Rekha,in the same frame after decades. “When I was growing up,I always wanted to cast the ‘Dream Girl’ and the ‘Diva’ as heroines,” says Kanwar,who also has Rishi Kapoor in Sadiyaan.

Kanwar has been known for being lucky for his leading ladies. Right from Divya Bharati to Priyanka Chopra and Katrina Kaif,he has been instrumental in kickstarting their fortunes. The producer-director also has a reputation of resurrecting the career of actors,when they are faring poorly at the box office. He did it for Sunny Deol with Jeet,Anil Kapoor with Judaai and Sanjay Dutt with Daag: The Fire. “I don’t take credit for anybody’s success. I don’t delve into insecurities and failures. I cast an actor who fits the character,” says Kanwar.

For Kanwar,who has always believed in keeping himself busy,the four years of hiatus was quite a long break. Now he seems to be back in form and has already started work on two more projects. “I cannot divulge much—one film deals with the subject of extra-marital affairs and the other is a comedy with one hero and six heroines,” he says. Kanwar has also been questioned about not working with Shah Rukh Khan after Deewana,which was touted as the superstar’s first big break. “It was my big break too as a director. I do have a script in mind for Shah Rukh and I will discuss it with him once Sadiyaan has released.”