‘Some Say We’ve Fallen Out’

How do you analyse the failure of Rakht?God knows. It’s a well made film. Maybe the timing was wrong. Even Salman (Khan)’s film Di...

How do you analyse the failure of Rakht?
God knows. It’s a well made film. Maybe the timing was wrong. Even Salman (Khan)’s film Dil Ne Jisse Apna Kahaa did not get a good opening. The industry goes through a lull and we were unfortunate to release the film during that period.

But most of your productions haven’t done well.
If I knew why they are not doing well, then I would make sure I rectified the errors. Anyway, only five films out of 100 do well at the box office. Guess we fall in the remaining category of 95.

Is it because most of your films look the same?
I admit Rakht had the look of Rudraksh. It had the same star cast, for one. But ultimately it depends on the directors to make the projects look different. And why single out our films? These days every film looks like every other. There are the same item numbers, the same club songs.

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How has Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav taken to the news that you play Lalu in Padamshree Laloo Prasad Yadav?
I met him in Patna recently, and he was extremely excited about the film. We have his blessings and support. In fact, he is so kicked he has agreed to introduce the film on television. But Padamshree… has nothing to do with Laluji, it’s a romantic comedy about three men who fall for the same girl.

You’ve been doing all kinds of roles. Is the focus on reinvention?
Definitely. I want to do roles that are interesting. After 14 years, I don’t want to be the hero all the time. Success and failure are immaterial but I have never got this kind of praise ever, be it a Main Hoon Na or an Aan or even Rakht.

Is it true that you don’t have a big role in Tango Charlie?
That’s right. I am doing this film for my friend Nitin Manmohan. He asked me and I couldn’t say no.

But it could prove detrimental to your career, right?
That’s the person I am. I will stand by my friends. I will always be a part of Nitin or Priyadarshan’s films. And I don’t think it’ll be detrimental because the performances will be different. I am still doing full fledged films like Padamshree… and Ek Se Badhkar Ek.

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There are stories of a fallout with Sanjay Dutt.
Like you said, they are mere stories. Some say we’ve fallen out while others think we are closer than brothers. As long as Sanju and I know our relationship, we don’t care.

Your friend thinks you will make a great director.
No, yaar. I am not fit to be a director. I have neither the temperament nor the mindset.