He was 20 when he began directing films. At 21, he had his biggest hit, Raja Hindustani. Filmmaker Dharmesh Darshan is still raring to go. Priyanka Jain got him to talk about his latest effort, Aap Ki Khatir, and his interesting career. Excerpts:
Is Aap Ki Khatir an attempt at changing your image as a filmmaker?
I have done a lot of intense romantic films and felt I was unnecessarily being typecast as a sober, traditional filmmaker. With Aap Ki Khatir, I have made a brighter, happier film. I felt the audience was in a mood for a little more happiness, considering there is so much stress around. I also felt that, by nature, girls in India and the world have really changed. I wanted to make something that would echo that change. They are no longer crucifying themselves for love, there is no self-pitying, and there is a bit of confusion about so many changes happening so fast. I wanted to reflect that in a humorous fashion.
Is it a comedy?
I wouldn't say that. It's not slapstick at all. There is humour in the dialogue. The protagonist is a funny middle-class boy (Akshaye Khanna) from Lokhandwala who enters this la-dee-da Indian community in London. Priyanka Chopra and Amisha Patel play Punjabi stepsisters Anu and Shivani Khanna respectively. Anupam Kher plays their father Arjun Khanna and Lillette Dubey plays the entertaining Brit mom Betty Khanna. Dino Morea plays a lovable rake called Danny Grover (like Hugh Grant in Bridget Jones's Diary), and Sunil Shetty plays a Gujju millionaire called Kunal Shah from New York.
How did you manage to work with two actresses? Were there any ego issues?
I have not had to deal with such problems by stars. Priyanka is extremely focused, as is Amisha Patel. The film has a very pleasant feel and I made sure there was no conflict. Amisha is a very gracious lady. I had Lara Dutta in mind earlier but, due to date issues, she couldn't do the film. Amisha graciously stepped in and I am very obliged to her.
Are you happy with the final product? Do you think audiences will like it?
My film is not aiming to be a cult classic, neither is it trying to lecture someone or change the pace of cinema. It is an entertainer aimed at the box office. I enjoyed making it and hope audiences enjoy watching it.
Do you regret doing any film to date?
I could have done without Mela. I did it mainly for emotional reasons. It was for Aamir and Faizal Khan, and I needed a subject that incorporated both of them. A film should be done only for professional reasons, but life is a learning experience.
Is that why you stopped working with your brother (Sunil Darshan)?
Yes, that is one of the reasons.
Did you always want to be a director?
My decision to be in films was not anticipated. At 20, I was in my last year of college and had a number of options. I was considering a postgraduate degree, business, or an MBA abroad. But, as my father was a film distributor, I was exposed to the world of cinema. Wanting to be a filmmaker was a very spontaneous decision.
My brother was directing Intaqam at the time, starring Sunny Deol. I started going to the shoot and was spotted by Sunny. He felt I was creative and suggested I direct a film, adding that he was ready to act for me. It was a big surprise, as Sunny was on top in those days following the release of Ghayal.
So, when did you direct your first film?
I directed Lootere in 1993.
What was the first day of the shoot like?
It was frightening. I couldn't believe there was so much noise on the sets and my voice had to control it all. But then, the stakes were high. Films are like life -- either you survive or you sink. I chose to survive.
We were shooting at Filmalaya studios that morning and I had a huge cast. I was intimidated. When I was supposed to say 'Action', the words wouldn't come out. Sunny was extremely kind though. He knew I needed a little time. So, for the first 10 days, he let me flounder and find my way. From then, highs and lows became part of my job. Lootere did well, but it wasn't a smash hit.
What are the career mistakes you have made?
I have been sentimental. I was not ruthless enough to disassociate from things. There is a lot of backbiting in the industry, a lot of games played that I was unaware of. Unhealthy competitiveness shocked my middle class sensibility. If I had not taken things so seriously, I would have enjoyed the process more.
What kind of films do you want to work on now?
All kinds -- thrillers, romances, comedy, light films. I think I am versatile. However, I am not the producer, so there has to be a market that allows me to do all these things.
Considering you make so many romantic films, are you a romantic person?
I romanticize life. I am not mushy or immature. I believe in the good things, in the beauty of aesthetics. I am not judgmental and I don't moralize.
Why do you keep such a low profile?
I interact with people who have a certain sensibility. If I feel comfortable talking to them, I do. I don't like being the flavour of the month. What is important is that people know me as a filmmaker. I don't think readers want to know about what goes on in a director's life. I don't mind being written about as director Dharmesh Darshan, but this is often misused by the media.
