• Home
• /
• Entertainment

‘Pakhi is my weakness’

Did you ever expect Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na to be such a super success?

When we started the film it was an unclean pure script and a bit of a cult- touch film. A film that teenagers and college- goers would watch. I thought it would have been watched two or three times which is common, but was shocked when I learnt that the film was watched six or seven times and was enjoyed by all ages.

Is it true that your wife is joining films?  And has she written the script for it?           

Yes, she will be acting in the film. Pakhi is not new to acting. She and her mother used to train students in acting. In the past she used to conduct workshops teaching children diction. She is a fine actor. I did not sign Pakhi just like that. I am not the kind of person who is going to cast anyone just because I love her. Pakhi has the makings of a good actor.

Is John Abraham in the film?

Yes he is in my film. I love his screen presence. He looks good on screen, a truly under-explored actor. Our first interaction was years ago during the Chupke Se days. John was supposed to be in the film but it did not work out for both of us. He was honest enough to tell me that the script did not interest him. We concluded saying we would work on another project together. He would have become the poster boy if he had signed the film.

In this film John has a very regular guy look.  As an actor this role has excited him more. He had shown so much enthusiasm and I am looking forward to working with him.

Can you tell us something more about your next flick 1-800-LOVE.

Well, it is too premature to talk about the film. It is a romantic comedy based in Boston. The title comes from the toll free helpline in the US.

Do you enjoy writing or directing?

Well writing is a bit difficult. I am into filmmaking and it comes naturally to me. Writing is physical work. Strangely it is an extremely draining job and it takes quite a lot of time - a period of six months to a year. For the moment, I think directing is what I enjoy most.

Won’t it be more difficult to direct your wife?

I will deal with Pakhi exactly the way I deal with any other actor. I would want her to get into the character and get that performance out of her. Maybe, in Pakhi’s case I will be a little more demanding as well as a little more concerned as she is my weakness and I love her.

Any chances of you getting into acting?

[Laughs!]  Definitely not.

Are you nervous that you may not live up to the expectations after your super hit?

I think the most important thing is that I have completely forgotten Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na. John very sweetly told me, ‘Treat me like a newcomer in the film you direct with me’. Every film starts from scratch for me. I am not going to be afraid of the expectations or the outcome.