Source: Outlook
Date: November 13, 2010
The director on Guzaarish, his latest production starring Aishwarya Rai and Hrithik Roshan
What made you turn composer?
Music has always been the starting point of all my films. I wanted to do the songs for my characters so I thought why not?
What’s this talk of lovemaking scenes between Ash and Hrithik?
(Laughs) When you see it you’ll realise it’s unusual, beautiful, different, pure and sensitive.
It doesn’t look like a commercial film.
Why should we think only fluff is commercial? I don’t believe there’s a formula for commercial cinema. Guzaarish is hardcore drama, romance. It’s about suffering. Tell me one person who doesn’t identify with suffering.
You worked with Hrithik for the first time.
He’s marvellous. Committed, focused, always wanting the best. People said he’s too studied, he may want scenes in advance, but he’s spontaneous and spot on when he performs.
Aishwarya of course is your favourite.
Ash has become even more beautiful. She has evolved as an actor and human being. She’s far more thinking, crisper. Her exposure to world cinema has made her a richer person.
Was Hrithik your first choice for this role?
Absolutely. If he’d said no, I wouldn’t have made the film.
How was their chemistry?
They have a great chemistry and more interestingly, they work well together. They aren’t trying to steal a scene from each other but are alert about each other’s performance. How was it filming Guzaarish? I’ve fallen back in love with life. I’ve put into Guzaarish the collective hard work of all my five films.
Aishwarya is looking particularly beautiful...that make-up seems to suit her?
It’s Sabyasachi’s work. He has a feel for texture, for costumes. All the Bengalis I worked with in the film excelled.
What is the end product looking like?
I am in love with the film.