Hard Talk/Shekhar Kapur

If Webber is producing Bombay Dreams, and Rahman is scoring the music,what's your involvement in the production?I'm actually the facilitat...

If Webber is producing Bombay Dreams, and Rahman is scoring the music,what’s your involvement in the production?
I’m actually the facilitator. I’m the guy who introduced Andrew to Rahman.As of now, that’s the only purpose I’ve served. But I’m sure I will beclosely associated with the production.

What will be the cost of production for Bombay Dreams? Will it be alavish effort?
We have no idea yet. I guess it will depend on the scale of the show. Yes,it will be lavish in the sense that no stones will be left unturned inmaking it a spectacular show. Surely, that is going to cost a packet. Wehave kept that in mind.

You also said that the musical would not, in all likelihood, featureestablished Bollywood film stars. Wouldn’t the presence of stars add valueto the production?
The cast of Bombay Dreams is required to sing on stage. Like I said before,I’m not sure whether any of our Hindi movie stars are qualified to do that.It’s not like we have anything against stars. We just have to have the rightstars, if we must use them at all. I suspect we’re going to have a hugemulti-racial cast from all over Asia, who’re very talented.

Story continues below this ad

Soon after you wrapped Elizabeth, you had announced that you would bedirecting Mandela next. Considering you’ve now announced Bombay Dreams, isMandela no longer on the cards?
Sure it is. I just like to work on things in an organised and professionalmanner. And I certainly won’t take on a film until it’s ready and planned onpaper. Mandela is currently in its scripting stages, after which we will beready to cast and shoot it.

You’ve left several Bollywood films incomplete. However, you haveexpressed a desire to return to Hindi cinema sometime later. When are youlikely to do that?
I am committed to several projects at the moment. But I definitely intend tomake Tara Rum Pum Pum when I’m ready. Also, I’ve been speaking to producersin Mumbai, and I’m excited about working here soon. There is no definitedate, however.