Tinu Suresh Desai is a lot like Aditya Chopra. He is media shy, likes his work to do the talking and is happy to be behind the camera leaving the actors to do the talking. In an exclusive conversation with Indian Express.com, Tinu spoke about Rustom, Akshay Kumar and why he doesn't see Mohenjo Daro as competition. How did Rustom happen? The story has been written by Vipul Rawal. I liked it and bounced it to Shital (Bhatia), our co-producer, who called Neeraj (Neeraj). He was abroad and liked the story too. he said he would co-produce it and gave his inputs. We developed it accordingly. Is it based on the famous Nanawati case? No it is not inspired from it. Rustom is a work of fiction. You may find certain events in the film that may perhaps coincide with the case but it is not based on it. Was Akshay Kumar your first choice? Yes. And it was Neerajji who spoke to Akshay sir. Then I and Vipul met him for a narration. And he liked the story immensely. Within two hours, he said yes to the film. What did you do to get Akshay's mannerisms right as the naval officer? Our writer Vipul is from the Indian Navy. So we took his inputs. We also had another friend from the navy from whom we took inputs. Also with Akshay sir, the moment he used to put on the naval uniform, he no longer looked like Akshay Kumar, the actor. He became Rustom Pavri. His behaviour and body language changed. From the way he used to talk, sit and stand, he was Commander Rustom Pavri and not the superstar we all know. The transformation was unbelievable. How was it working with Akshay? Akshay sir was very cooperative. There are some who think he is a new director, let's trouble him. I am a new director but he never showed off his star status. He never troubled me. And he is so disciplined in whatever he does. He is punctual, to begin with. He comes sharp on time and leaves on time as well. Ever alternate day, I used to request him if he could give me an hour more to finish my shoot. And he was gracious enough to spare those extra hours for me. It was because of his support that we were able to complete the film so fast. What about Esha Gupta and Ileana D'Cruz. What about them? They both were so disciplined. They used to come for the shoot early in the morning and completely prepared. They never used to throw tantrums. I also got great support from the other star cast like Arjan Bajwa, Pawan Malhotraji, Ameira Punwani-costume stylist, actor Sachin Khedekar ji and Kumud Mishra and others. I was ably supported by a wonderful crew from our DoP (Director of photography) to our production designer. It was because of their support that I was able to complete the film without any hassles. Rustom is clashing with Mohenjodaro. (Cuts in) We don't see it as a clash. Both are big films. There is enough space for both and ultimately both films will be benefitted. Watch : Rustom Trailer So you mean to say there is no competition? Not at all. Both are big films. Both have big stars. The story of both films are different. Audience will be eager to see both. Having worked with Akshay, what is it about the actor that enables him to choose the right scripts and deliver hit after hit? It's his gut feeling. He goes by that. If he likes something - be it a song or a film, he goes for it. And his biggest plus point is that when he takes a step, he remains firm on it. He never gets confused. He takes a step forward and moves ahead and never thinks about taking a step back. So whatever he has wanted till now, everything has been happening accordingly. Risk pays off but it is also his hard work behind his huge success. After Akshay, who do you want to work with next? I would like to work with Akshay sir again, provided he likes my next script and agrees to work again.
