Congratulations on the success of IHLS. Your directorial debut, which too under a big banner like Dharma Productions did amazingly well. How do you feel?
Thanks so much. It’s always a nice feeling to do something and come out good. It was a big break and I would have never forgiven myself had I messed it up… so I gave it everything I had. So yes, all in all it feels great.
You started off as a Model, so how did you turn towards film-making? Most models want to go on screen.
Well that was the plan; I did want to act as well. As a matter of fact I still get lots offers to play the “main lead” in films. However direction just happened. I had a script that I had written and I was just too close to it to let anyone else direct it… so I ended up doing it by myself.
Assisting Karan Johar for almost ten years, how would you describe the experience of working with him?
Karan is am immensely popular person. I know him since I was a kid and have great regard and respect for him. He will always be someone senior. But on set and at work he is the most fun person to be around. He treats everyone on merit and is the perfect balance between fun and work. I truly feel privileged and lucky to have worked with him.
Like most directors, you didn’t take a professional course in film-making. What do you feel, is studying the field is as important, or does working under someone sharpen your skills better?
It is important to study. I feel kids who come with an education are very well prepared. On the flip side it’s as important to get some work experience. I firmly believe that what you learn on the field is something you can’t learn anywhere else. So… there are no fixed rules. But given a choice I think it’s more important to get some hands on experience.
IHLS was a romantic comedy that targeted the younger audience mainly. A few critics did not give a favourable opinion on the movie. Does that bother you?
It’s not like the critics didn’t like it…. most liked it some didn’t. IHLS had a very specific target audience; we knew that from day 1. I am of the belief that the older critics didn’t take to it because they couldn’t identify with the film. What worked for me is that the younger critics like it a lot. But again, honest to god, I didn’t even read one review because according to me it wasn’t a film for the critics anyway. So in that way I stayed unaffected.
Rumour has it that Imran Khan’s character, Jay who doesn’t believe in love stories was actually a bit autobiographical! Is that true?
Ha ha ha… in some ways yes. I have always run away from the idea of love. Even the current generation would like to believe that they fall in love every now and then but I think their threshold of going through with things in far lesser. I am no different. In this case you may get the impression that it’s autobiographical because I have written the story, screenplay and dialogue apart from directing the film. So I guess some of my flavour is bound to come in.
Tell us about your upcoming projects!
I am currently in the process of scripting my next film… that’s about it. We are meant to make all further announcements in a couple of months.
Do you feel having contacts in the film industry helps you get where you want to be? What about the people who are not as resourceful?
I would be lying if I said that contacts don’t help. But again it goes beyond the contacts. Ultimately it’s your talent and your work that speaks. If you are not good at what you do no one will entertain you because at the end of the day the people who judge you are the audiences and they really don’t care about any “contacts”
Lastly, a piece of advice you would give to our amateur film makers and directors?
Watch a lot of films and just put your head down and work no substitute to hard work. Don’t ever lose hope, it will all work out. Be optimistic because everyone gets their shot.
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