Subhash Ghai’s 1999 hit Taal starring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Akshaye Khanna and Anil Kapoor became iconic for its music and storytelling. The veteran filmmaker is keen on making a new instalment of the movie. He tells us, “It won’t be a sequel really, as the story will be different, set in contemporary times with new faces, but the essence of Taal will be there – a divine musical with its own narrative.”

​Ghai revealed that he is looking for a director to helm the project, while he will script and produce the film. “I am 81. Mentally, I am sharp, but physically, I have become slow. So I am looking for a director who can make the film for me. Rahman and I have been working on the script of Taal 2 for a year. He is equally excited about the sequel.”

He further explains, “When I say script, it’s not just what is written on paper – I also mean visualizing the sound and music of the film. I wrote the script, but I would say even Taal (1999) was written by Rahman and me. I used to discuss every situation and character with him. I had told him that the film’s narrative would depend on the music he produced. We had Anand Bakshi ji, so we didn’t have to worry about the lyrics. We want to make a film that is one or two steps ahead of Taal in terms of storytelling and music.”

Ghai plans to bring in young talent to headline the film. He shares, “I remember watching Aishwarya in Iruvar (1997) and deciding to cast her in Taal. The film came after Khalnayak (1993) and Pardes (1997), which were hits. I had successful films behind me, while Aishwarya had won the Miss World title, but her films had not worked at the time. My decision to cast her was criticized. But look at what she achieved. So, casting young talent has always been my priority.”

The filmmaker believes that the art of staying relevant in today’s times is not a challenge because human emotions remain constant. “Morals and nobility will always stay. Emotions that stem from jealousy and ego remain unchanged. Technology has made our lives easier. How you narrate the story is the challenge,” he says.