Mandana Karimi recounts a 2014 meeting with the filmmaker, and working with Umesh Ghadge, who directed her in a 2016 project
As told to Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 13, 2018)

I was in talks for Sajid Khan’s (2014 film) Humshakals at the casting stage. My manager and I visited his office. After meeting producer Vashu Bhagnani, I was in a room with Sajid, when he said, “Lovely pictures but you need to remove your clothes. If I like what I see, you might get the part.” I laughed at the incident — Sajid was such a creep –when my manager pointed out that he was a big director. Be that as it may, you can’t abuse your power.

In 2016, I was shooting for Ekta Kapoor’s production Kya Kool Hain Hum 3, which was a dream come true. It was a big film for me, but I was made to feel miserable on the sets. The director, Umesh Ghadge, asked me out once and when I declined the offer, saying that I had a boyfriend — back then, I was dating my now ex-husband Gaurav Gupta – he made things difficult for me throughout the film’s Thailand schedule.

He’d keep me waiting on the sets and made fun of my dancing skills, saying that I couldn’t get the steps right as I’m not an Indian. I told Ekta about the problem and offered to return the money so that I could exit the project. She pulled him up, but he wasn’t fired. The harassment continued. Everyone on the sets knew what I was going through, but nobody said anything as they were afraid of losing their job. On the last day, everyone, from the makeup artists to spot boys, apologised to me.

(Mirror reached out to Sajid Khan and Umesh Ghadge, but they remained unavailable for comment)

Lasyapriya Sundaram (BOMBAY TIMES; August 28, 2017)

Deepali Singh (DNA; August 27, 2017)

The moniker ‘funnyman’ has often been used to describe Sajid Khan. However, if you check out his track record of the last two films he directed, Himmatwala and Humshakals, and go by the negativity surrounding them, you would probably wonder why. But the filmmaker, and sometimes actor, is genuinely funny. The ‘perception’, a word that springs up often as he tells me, sitting in his Juhu apartment, is that he’s no more the guy he used to be. “But that’s the thing about perceptions. They aren’t facts and that’s why they aren’t permanent,” says Sajid, who recently completed 10 years in the film industry as a director. “Ten years of Heyy Babyy, the first film I directed. Ten years of me as a filmmaker. All thanks to Sajid Nadiadwala. He should get the credit. Or the blame!” he guffaws loudly. See what I meant about the funny business. Over to the filmmaker...

How did you deal with the aftermath of Humshakals?
Humshakals chali, but the large perception was to make you believe that it was a disaster. It made Rs 63 crore, so box-office wise, it’s not a disaster. It’s Saif’s highest grossing film in the last four years, but somewhere the perception of the film was, ‘Oh bad film, flop film’. Bad film I can take, but flop film? That made me think further. Then the column in this paper came to the rescue. People got to know the real me. Being on Twitter helped. I didn’t want to fight back. I wanted to take a dignified stance. Chori toh nahi ki, daaka toh nahi daala. Kharaab film hi banaayi hai na, uske liye itni bhaari sazaa? Nahi beta, uske liye itni bhaari sazaa nahi, bees saal se jo tum film industry mein karte aa rahe thhey, logon ka mazaak udaate aa rahe thhey, ab yeh uska grahan hai. This is payback time. Stand in front of the firing squad with your head held high and take the bullets. It’s okay, eventually the bullets will run out. You will fall down and rise again, no big deal. That’s precisely what has happened. I don’t know about rising again, but I have fallen down many times. Sometimes it has taken me a while to get back, sometimes instantly. It’s never that I’ve never got up. So it has been a learning curve. Also, it has made me a slightly more responsible filmmaker. The script which we are writing next, is a comedy, but it stays away from the slapstick genre and comes in the situational comedy zone. One is trying to achieve that with lots and lots of rewriting on the script level itself.

Have you mellowed down over the years?
I think I have calmed down. I was in a state of complete chaos and unrest, shooting my mouth off, not caring for the repercussions. When Himmatwala didn’t work, the negativity factor attached to the reviews were more pointed towards me. That’s when I realised, that something has gone wrong. I told myself, ‘You’re a funny guy. Of course, you made fun of films and people when you were on TV but that, people more or less accepted. Why do you have to keep shooting your mouth off? You’re a director, not a trade pundit. One film didn’t work, they buried you in the ground. Shubh, shubh bolo. Funny ho jao, that’s what you are’.

What sort of perceptions do you think the column and social media helped break?
There were lots of perceptions about me, right from being gay to casting couch to being a drunkard to getting violent, none of what I am in real life. The column did help change a lot of perceptions about me, including ‘ise angrezi aati hai! BA pass hai! Matric pass hai!’ (Laughs) Sajid Nadiadwala has been the strongest guiding light in my life. He and Farah are the only two people who I give full freedom to slap me in public, and I will keep my head down because they are my elder brother and sister. I really look upto them. They were also of the same belief — let people know the real you. Because when people know the real me, they are like, ‘you’re not how we thought you were. You’re quite funny’. Largely thanks to my column and Twitter and my getting out and being more real with people in life, I feel, by now, the negativity has died down completely.

Why limit yourself to only funny films?
I’m not. Heyy Babyy is not a comedy. It’s a family drama. The last 40 minutes of the film, you only have tears in your eyes. Himmatwala was not a comedy. Himmatwala was a tragedy (laughs)!

The first time you directed was a short film, The Graveyard, for Ram Gopal Varma’s Darna Zaroori Hai. Wouldn’t you like to explore horror as a genre again?
Yes, someday, I am going to do an independent small budget horror film. That’s one genre I feel I can surprise a lot of people, like I did with that 11-minute short — the only time in life that I got good reviews (laughs)! I’m very influenced by the movies Shyamalan has been making of late, whether it’s The Visit or Split.

Sajid Nadiadwala and you had a nasty fallout and then you got back together again...
In 20 years of friendship, I think two years of fighting is allowed between best friends. It’s not like we got into arguments or fist fights or abused each other. We just lost out on each other. That was a very dark phase in my life and I was very lost. A lot of wrong people advising me against him and I think, vice versa. I know for a fact that he just doesn’t love me as a younger brother, he loves me like a son. I have not seen a more simple, more caring person than him. Irrespective of where we are, every morning and every night, we would have a two minute conversation — kya kiya, kya nahi. Almost like a relationship. That is what I missed in that period. I was consumed with the oldest factor, which is the worst between friends — ego. Main phone kyun uthaoon, let him call. So many people tried to get us back together. I lost out on Housefull 3 because of that. I was more at fault than he was because I was slightly more immature. He’s a far more mature person than I am. I used to seek his advice all the time. Ever since I became friends with him and started doing award functions, there was not a single show where I have not walked on the stage without giving him a call first. I would say ‘bhai stage pe ja raha hoon’. He would say, ‘good luck, vaat laga de, you’re the best’. He would give me that pep talk and it used to be like an injection that the doctor has given me. I would go with full confidence. Those two years during his absence, I missed that.

But now, you’re working together again...
I told him I don’t care if we ever work together again. Of course, I would love to work with him and he would love to work with me because we vibe well. We’re like Laxmikant and Pyarelal! But I’m so glad that I’ve got my best friend back. I will turn 46 in November. He’s been a part of my life ever since I was 26. You don’t f**k up two decades of friendship over small things. Nothing’s worth it. Our fights were not over a woman or property or money, it was over edits! I was fighting with him about why is my name small and yours big on the poster? Stupid things! But at that time, you’re consumed by self pride and ego and short-sightedness. You lose out on reality and believe everything is a conspiracy theory and it’s not.

You made three films with him which were hits, the ones he wasn’t part of, didn’t work...
He was the missing factor. He told me not to make Himmatwala. I should have listened to him... Some big producer told me I will work with you now because I know you’re dying to give it back. I said no, don’t be under that impression. I said I don’t have the fire to burn somebody’s house, I have the fire to light a diya, which hopefully will light up a good film. I have no ambitions to prove a point, I’m too goddamn old for that! I just want to make good films which hopefully will be successful.

You have worked with stars such as Akshay Kumar, Saif Ali Khan and Ajay Devgn, but none from the younger lot...
I’m sure when the right script comes along, they will be attached to it. Actors today are not interested in working with names but the correct script. That is why unknown new directors get breaks, and obscure directors also make big films. If you get the correct script, they will work with you, which is ideally the correct thing to do. Because who benefits the maximum? The audience. Rishton mein ab film nahi banti. Rishton mein jo film banti hai, woh ab kishton mein banti hai. Film banti hai abhi merit pe. You have to now identify the correct script and the correct cast.

From the younger lot, who is on your wishlist?
I would love to work with Ranbir Kapoor and Ranveer Singh. I would love to work with Varun Dhawan. I find him very entertaining, I loved him in the Judwaa 2 trailer. But you can’t go to a Ranbir or a Varun with a wrong script.

What sort of advice does Farah give you?
‘Cut your hair, lose weight, don’t smoke, I can’t send my kids to your room, they complain of smoke’. She’s like a mother hen to me. She has been telling me to write Heyy Babyy 2 and that is something Sajid, Akshay (Kumar) and I have discussed. I just feel it’s a little too early. Technically, the baby has just turned 10, let her become a teenager. I have an idea, about teens and young parents. There is a lot of unsaid familiarity and uncomfortable grounds where they both lie to each other. Today’s teen is far more troubled than earlier teens. Today’s parents are far more worried than ours were because today, one wrong move and your child’s future is destroyed. I would like to do something with that and keep it in the entertaining space that’s more real.

We’ve heard that your mother is funnier than you and Farah put together. Do you take advice from her?
Yes and no. She gets a little worried when she reads reviews. She used to read the reviews almost like a report card (laughs). But that’s okay.

You have acted in a very few films. Why’s that?
I was offered quite a number of films after Jhooth Bole Kauwa Kaate, but I never intended to be an actor in the first place. My biggest regret in life, later, was not meeting Rajkumar Hirani when he wanted me to do Arshad’s role in Munnabhai. Sanju also told me meet him. Maybe I was too busy with my TV work at that time and not keen on acting. I was offered Shaandaar recently and another film called Coffee With D in the main role. I don’t think I can be a lead actor, but a strong character actor. I’d like to do something I can pull off.

Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; April 12, 2017)

Last November, Tamannaah Bhatia had been finalised for the Tamil remake of Kangana Ranaut-starrer Queen (2014). In an interview with mid-day, she had said she’d like tips from the National Award-winning actress to prep for the role. However, it seems the project has been sent to the cold storage. “We were supposed to do that film, but it’s not happening anymore. The reason is unknown to me, but I know it’s shelved,” Tamannaah says on the sidelines of Bahubali 2 promotions.

Like most fans of the war-drama franchise, the actress too is excited about the release of Bahubali: The Conclusion, which will finally unlock the mystery behind the question: Kattappa ne Bahubali ko kyun maara? “The first part will be re-releasing soon, and that’s a first for me.” Post Bahubali ( 2015), Tamannaah adds, filmmakers are looking at her in a different light. “I am getting better offers since directors feel that I am versatile and can be more than just a girl next door. I am also consciously trying not to be repetitive.”

Ask her if she thinks she will get another film as big as Baahubali in future and she says, “This film happened to me after I went through a lean phase in my career with films like Himmatwala (2013), Humshakals (2014) and Entertainment (2014). So, I think my reality is way better than my imagination, but I still hope that many more Baahubalis happen in my life.”

Of course, in some cases, the fights were short-lived
BOMBAY TIMES (January 6, 2016)

Sonali Joshi Pitale (MID-DAY; April 2, 2015)

Fashion designer Vikram Phadnis’ directorial debut Nia was supposed to roll in January, but budget hassles have apparently delayed the film. Last week, lead actor Rana Daggubati walked out of the project citing date issues and now there is buzz that leading lady Bipasha Basu might be shown the door.

A source says producer Vashu Bhagnani recently decided to come on board to tackle the budget woes, but on the condition that Bips be replaced. The duo’s equation soured last year when the actress refused to promote Sajid Khan’s Humshakals, which was produced by Bhagnani. “At that time, he had publicly expressed that he won’t ever work with Bipasha due to her unprofessional attitude. Now he has told Vikram that he will back his project only if she is ousted from it,” adds the source.

The director did not confirm Bips’ imminent exit from Nia, but denied rumours about budget problems. “The delay is not because of casting or budget. The only reason is that I am currently in London on some work. Rana’s dates were clashing with two of his other films so he had to leave my film. We were initially supposed to shoot during the winter, but now the film has moving to summer. So, I am re-working its look,” he reasons.

Bhagnani remained unavailable for comment.

Priya Gupta (BOMBAY TIMES; December 17, 2014)

Ankur Pathak (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 10, 2014)

The last month has been particularly traumatic for Bollywood with as many as five films with an A-list cast, taking a drubbing at the box-office. From Akshay Kumar's The Shaukeens and Ranveer Singh's Kill Dill to Emraan Hashmi's Ungli, none of the projects have managed to live up to the audience's expectations. Buzz in trade circles is that many actors are taking a hefty pay cut - in some cases, nearly 40 per cent - while producers are slashing budgets by half to make projects financially viable in this uncertain market.

One such actor is Saif Ali Khan, whose last release definitely did not have a happy ending, commercially. Mirror has learnt that after the film's dismal opening, the makers of his upcoming ventures are exercising caution, given that this completes a hattrick of flops for the actor -- starting with Bullett Raja, Humshakals and Happy Ending.

Ekta Kapoor is reworking the logistics of the Sujoy Ghosh-directed screen adaptation of the Japanese bestseller, The Devotion of Suspect X, starring Saif. Its budget has been scaled down by almost one-third and the actor's remuneration is also being substantially reworked. Ditto Reema Kagti's next Mr Chaalu, starring Saif and Kangana Ranaut.

Admitting that there has indeed been a fluctuation in his fee, Saif told Mirror that money is not a priority at the moment. He said: "Prices go up and down. Right now the quality of work is more important to me than money. Next year should be about good roles."

Stressing on the need for stars to take a reality check so that investments can be recovered, trade analyst Komal Nahta reasoned, "If a star charges Rs 25-30 crore, he should at least ensure a Rs 20 crore opening which is not happening. Why just Saif, every star needs to reconsider his pay-package! All of them know where they are going wrong, but they choose to look the other way. The flops should be eye-openers." 

Another trade analyst, Amod Mehra, however opined that it is not the star's salary but the content that has failed. "Yes, the money they charge contributes to a movie's failure, but that's not the only factor. We've seen some terribly scripted films recently," he pointed out.

Ramesh Taurani, the producer of Saif-starrer Race and Race 2, who recently had monetary differences with the actor, endorsed Mehra's view. "Saif's films haven't worked because the content wasn't good. But he's a huge star and will bounce back with a hit," he stated.

Commenting on the same, Kabir Khan, who is directing the mega-budget action thriller Phantom, starring Saif and Katrina Kaif said: "I cast Saif in Phantom because he is perfect for the role. Irrespective of hits or flops, he is a terrific actor and that, not numbers, will always be a director's priority as far as casting is concerned."

Ritesh Sidhwani, who is producing Kagti's film, agreed with Kabir: "We have full faith that Saif will deliver, just like he did in Dil Chahta Hai. We start filming with Kangana and him in January."

Priya Gupta (BOMBAY TIMES; November 9, 2014)

Meena Iyer (BOMBAY TIMES; November 5, 2014)

In July, Saif Ali Khan had a bitter fallout with filmmaker Sajid Khan after their debacle Humshakals. In what seemed uncharacteristic of him, the Nawab of Pataudi not only dissed the film, he also made it clear that he didn't want to continue his association with Sajid. However, Saif has had a change of heart. He actually went over to meet Sajid on Monday and the two hugged. It is said that Saif explained to him how he “never quite meant to sound harsh“ and he even apologised for being hurtful. “It was emotional,“ says Saif, adding, “I really do love Sajid like a brother.“ The actor agreed that he may have said a couple of uncomplimentary things after Humshakals flopped. In hindsight, he also admits that what he did, wasn't nice. Says he, “I missed Sajid in my life. His absence was really bothering me. I missed him so much during Diwali because he is a great card player and we have spent time together earlier. Believe me, I even had five dreams about Sajid. I had been telling Kareena about it. She, too, was happy when I made up with him. She knew it was important for me and felt that I had done the right thing.“ Saif continues, “In all fairness, Sajid, Riteish Deshmukh and I worked hard on the film and we promoted it even harder. I just wish we had got better results.“ However, irrespective of the box office fate of Humshakals, the Nawab says, “I must confess that Riteish, Sajid and I laughed the maximum on and off the sets of this film.We've bonded beyond the sets and these guys are close to me.“ Saif, whose Happy Ending is a fortnight away from release, adds that besides discussing the movies on which they work together, Sajid and he also discuss their respective proj ects. Saif states, “I'm happy that the two of us are in a happy place today.“ Sajid, on his part, says, “Work is temporary but friendship lasts forever. I'm so happy that Saif and I kissed and made up. We are like-minded people and just like he missed having me in his life, I missed him too. Frankly, I don't think either of us laughs so much with anyone else as we do when he, Riteish and I are together.“

The Nawab on endings — happy and otherwise, his forte and films
Sarita Tanwar (DNA; October 30, 2014)

I think I must have. Maybe Kya Kehnaa. If getting the girl means happy ending, which generally does. (pauses) I think Agent Vinod too. He saved the world but didn’t get the girl. Also, Ek Hasina Thi, I was eaten up by rats in the climax scene, which is not an happy ending either. (Smirks) A few filmmakers I know would like the idea of unhappy ending. Interestingly, for Love Aaj Kal, Imtiaz Ali had an alternate ending in mind, where my dithering character finally comes back to the girl and finds her pregnant and he doesn’t go up to her and goes back to Rishi Kapoor and has a drink with him, who tells him it is unfortunate that it didnt work out but life goes on. But we all felt that that he should get the girl and finally Imtiaz relented.

You like happy endings?
I read somewhere in a filmmaking instruction kind-of-a-book that the ending should be satisfying. So it doesn’t matter if it’s sad or not. And I agree with that. An open ending is also nice for the right kind of a movie. Sometimes, a happy ending can be contrite. I hate films with open endings...

Maybe there is a dimension to movies...
I mean there definitely is a dimension to movies — where the audience fills in the blanks and that is also an interesting thing. I feel that if someone has started telling a story, they should end it. (Grins) There are films by people like David Lynch for which you have to get on the internet to check what it means, which can be pretty annoying, like The Ring. The movie ends and you go WHAAAT! Mulholland Drive is another film like that. Someone said the clue is in the title sequence, and I watched that a hundred times and I could not figure it out. It drove me mad.

Whose idea was the naughty title?
The directors (Raj and DK). I had very little to contribute with the film apart from trying to make it happen. I hope we are lucky enough to have news guys like this all the time. And maybe we will be, that’s the nature of film life. Their specialty is to bring things..in the past they haven’t realised on budget, show formula..They are funny, witty and strong on content. They said the title should be Happy Ending and we said, ‘No, no that’s really suggestive.”

You said that!
Well, yes. But you know my interactions shape me slightly. So if I meet too many people playing safe, I would like to be different. But if somebody comes and tells me you have the control and I want to keep the title as Happy Ending, I would be like, ‘let me think about it’. But it was the right decision. Film titles have also changed with fashion. From Lahoo Ke Do Rang to now we have Bodyguard. It’s English title time now, so that’s good.

What is your space: Romance, comedy or drama?
I was thinking, it’s remarkable that I have kind of grown up rather publicly in a way. I started out when I was 20 and now I am 44. Someone made a montage of my films with Preity Zinta, because I have worked with her many times sporadically through out those 20 years. And there is a lot of uncertainty on my face. It’s a cross between a very protected upbringing and something else I cannot define. I don’t know what the answer to what space I fit into, is. But what comes comfortably, is romantic comedy and I think people feel comfortable accepting.

Please continue...
Also, I should be doing such films but earlier when people said I would feel a little slotted and I would say I wanted to do an Agent Vinod and Ek Haseena Thi. I want to do a Parineeta and Omkara too but those are edges. There is a sense of urban timing and comedy that comes naturally, which I would think is silly not to capitalise on it as a USP because it is not everybody’s gift. A lot of good-looking guys in Bollywood who have star presence perhaps can’t do that.

True. But you moved away from your kind of cinema with Bullett Raja and Humshakals. Were you trying to find a different space?
Maybe.Yes. You talk about doing different things, experiment with different kind of roles, different makers,... Also, at the time, my thinking was, that the box office of the kind of films I was doing was not as wide as some of the other films that were being made. And I thought it would be nice to have one of those films. Also I felt that maybe after all these years I had learnt enough about acting to try and so that was the attempt. But now, I have realised that even if the box office is not that wide, one should stick to a certain culture of film. and respect that and be surrounded with people like that and say this is my world and be happy with that. But of course there are always exceptions. If Rajkumar Hirani came to me, I am sure there would be meeting of minds..I mean I don’t mean to..everyone caters to what they do is best.

So you are done doing a film for a hit?
Yes, I think now I am done with that. Some lessons have been learnt after quite a lot of thinking about it. But the lessons I learnt were something that I had always suspected. Happy Ending has not come about because of a failure and introspection that let me sign this. It was always there. And because it was always there, I thought I could take a bit of a chance.

You play all kinds of roles, so it’s safe to say you have never been slotted. Is that a good thing or a bad thing?
Well, ultimately it is a good thing. Because there is so much choice out there and for a consumer to associate you with one thing, is a nice thing. It’s better than nothing. Because you have given them a feeling that if they want to see...You might think you are very cool but they might want to see action from this guy and romance from that guy and at least they want to see something from you and that’s nice in a competitive market. and one should respect that and I do. And I also actually really enjoy that kind of cinema and if I didn’t that somewhere that might come across. It’s just that in real life I would probably watch those films than a thriller..

Speaking of films, we never see you at previews or even in theatres catching a film. Do you watch movies in which you don’t star?
Very rarely. All my life I thought, it would be nice to stop thinking about movies. It’s such a consuming profession that it takes over your life. So, when you are not on a set, it’s nice to stay a little away from that. As for this preview culture, it is something that I avoid because you are at your wit’s end trying to figure out what to say to so many people. And I, personally, would never have a trial. If someone wants to see your film, show it to them by all means, but you don’t show up there and stand at the end of it and ask them how did you like it. Asking people there how they liked the film, is petrifying for me. Because the kind of friends that I have would probably tell me they didn’t like it. And that also hurts. And the truth will be out in two days, so what’s the point of your commenting on it. Also, the atmosphere of a trial is only for the people who want to watch the film. It is not even a realistic gauge of what the film is like. I believe when you buy a ticket and go to the theatre, you want to love the film. When you go to see a trial, you probably don’t. Some of them are there to see the movie, some are there to check out the competition and some of them to run away from there. It is a competitive industry.

But by not watching films aren't you losing in touch with what is happening in terms of scripts and makers?
Watching films and watching other people's acting... I probably should. It's just that -- and this might sound like a really lame reason --but all my film I thought it would be nice to kind of stop thinking about movies for a little bit because it is such a consuming profession. It can swallow you completely. You dont talk about anything else, you don't meet anybody from outside the industry, you don't think of anything else, which is fine at a certain age but this will not last forever. There is a certain thing I have of also living life, you know? And say ok, now lets talk about something else.

But aren't you sort of alienating yourself and missing out?
Oh, but everybody hears of good films and good makers. It's not as if one is living in an ivory tower. And professionally one would zero in on new talent. Like I heard of Raj and DK and the lunch box director (name) It's just that coming home from a set and putting on either a Zoom type of show or watching a movie, would make me want to shoot myself in the head. I would want to watch Agatha Christie period show or hercules poirot and drift off somewhere else until I have to go back to the set next morning at nine am. Of course one should be aware who is doing what kind of action or acting but it's also that ever since I was a kid really, I didn't watch Hindi films because I didn't like the kind of emotions my mother would go through on the screen. I mean who wants to watch their mom crying throughout the movie. So I think it started there and it never really stopped. But it is a professional requirement and I should watch the work everyone is doing. I keep wishing I had seen every film on a Friday so I could say what people were talking about, as a professional and be able to say that this guy is fab, and this guy is not. that much you need to know.

You haven't had a hit jodi with an actress. Has that worked for you or against you?
It's means both things, I think. Cinema is..it's kind of hard to slot people, or me perhaps. Because there it is. It also means that I have not been part of an iconic love jodi.

Do you find it easier to work with new actresses or someone with whom you have a comfort level?
Comfort is normally the enemy. Strangers are always easier. But somebody who has always been a professional is easier as well. If you get to know somebody that is different. That is not an advantage when you are playing a romantic pair, I think.Unless you have always been costars. The initial chemistry should be that of hero and heroine; that's important. I guess there are women that make you feel For example working with Preity feels good, but working with Illeana is different. She is a sparkling actress. She is really, really good. And I thought I was good at this sort of a role because it is a world that I have kind of been in, but it really falls flat without the timing at the other end, which she has. She reminds me of Kajol and Rani except she is more western.

Your last two films didn't do very well. Does that make your reflect on the kind of films you should do? Do you now know that you wont do a particular kind of film?
I mean, yes and no. It recently dawned on me that being one of the first multiplex actors, I should understand that sensibility more than anybody else, which shows how much I think about it. It's like when we did Parineeta, I liked the idea, and everybody liked it and I didn't connect with the end and nobody it, so I should be sitting here and saying, ok guys this is what people will connect with but no one can predict that, so...you know I thought when you work with a guy who has made huge hits hopefully he will make a huge hit with you but it doesn't work out like that sometimes. I mean, film to film, everyone has got a rhythm

So are you done with a certain kind of cinema?
I don't know. I am done with doing anything that I personally am not moved by. I have made these mistakes sporadically in the past and they have happened chronically, you know..They keep turning up. And while I should have learnt from my mistake, history shows that every three four years I will say, lets lets try and do something different. But this time I hope lesson learnt to the point that you have to somewhere connect with the script. if you are somewhere feeling, listen I dont think it is going to work, then it probably wont. But there will come a time...like a good maker comes and says listen you are wrong, and it is going to be great, one might succumb again.

The roles that you do which seem like an extension of yourself work for you more than maybe an Aarakshan. Do you agree? 
I completely agree. We rushed a bit into Aarakshan also.

Yes, it hard to see you as an untouchable.
(laughs) Genetically, I am at disadvantage to play this role, ironically. But you know the right haircut, the right look can help, if it is worked on. There are certain films that Prakashji makes, and I am no one to judge or talk negatively about him negatively, but some of his ideas will be great while suited to him. And some will be not really exciting to other people. so what I am saying is that I think Aarakshan falls into the latter category. But that's the thing he is passionate about, because you know he is politically motivated.

In hindsight do you think it was wrong to disown Humshakals? 
I didn't disown Humshakals. I played a shining main lead and worked very hard for all the four roles.

Three roles!
No, there was that female character too. I had a blast working with Sajid, who I love personally. My colleagues tell me you haven't promoted any other film with so much heart. But if the film doesn't run, I feel something is wrong. We have made a wrong kind of movie. That's all I am saying.

Was Sajid upset?
Apparently yes.

Have you reached out to him to sort it out? 
I will. I haven't sorted it yet. I mean I have sent messages to him, but he hasn't replied. I am allowed to say that I think we have made a wrong film because I have also worked for it. It's not that I have insulted his jagir, as such.

Do you have any directors on your wishlist? 
Raju Hirani. and maybe Sanjay Leela Bhansali. (Smiles) But I don't know if I can dance like he would expect me to.

Director duo Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK say that their second collaboration with the actor was pitched even before the zom-com Go Goa Gone
Ankur Pathak (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 16, 2014)

"Hi, this is Saif Ali Khan. I'd like to make movies with you two," this was how the actor introduced himself to engineers-turned-filmmakers Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK after seeing the trailer of their debut feature, 99, featuring his sister Soha Ali Khan. At the meeting that followed, they bounced off several ideas, including an outline of what would take shape as the upcoming romcom Happy Ending.

"We also pitched Go Goa Gone to him. Saif loved the concept of a zomcom and not only said that he will act in it for free but also agreed to produce the film," reminisces Raj, sipping coffee at an airport cafe. "It wasn't long before we realised that our idea of filmmaking, sense of humour and aesthetic sense were pretty much in sync."

Today, the three are the best of friends. Immediately after this interview, the director duo is heading off to Pataudi where they will bring in Saif and Kareena's second wedding anniversary. "It'll be a refreshing break for all of us before the madness begins," Krishna smiles.

Their leading man is coming straight out from a catastrophe called Humshakals. He was still shooting for the Sajid Khan film when Happy Ending took off and Raj recalls that he'd talk a lot about the Sajid Khan-directorial to them. "It was obvious that Saif was not in his comfort zone. Humshakals is not a film he'd normally do, but he wanted to be versatile," he reasons.

Krishna adds that in contrast, Happy Ending, a film about an actor struggling to come up with a hit second novel, is tailored to suit Saif's real life persona. "We wanted him to play his age and the easy going cool dude he's often perceived to be. He and Ileana (D'Cruz) make for a refreshing pair and look really hot together," he points out.

The duo admits that though they work with a bound script, quite a few lines were improvised on the sets. "We brief the actors, then, once the camera starts rolling, let them go with the flow without calling for a cut," explains Raj.

One of the gems that erupted from this free style of direction is the line "Film bana raha hoon, chai nahi." It was a spur-of-the-moment reaction from Govinda when Saif misheard the word 'youthwalon' as 'doodhwalon'.

"We were really nervous about directing Govinda. In one scene we needed to paint his body with a marker pen. None of us could dare to approach him with the request. It took us a while to get comfortable with him but once we did, he was fantastic," raves Raj.

Even before the film hits the theatres, they have started work on their next, the Shahid Kapoor-Kriti Sanon starrer Farzi. "Post Go Goa Gone, we heard that Shahid wanted to team up with us. We had just the right subject for him and that's how this con caper came about," says Krishna. "There's also a third film with Saif on the cards. We've spoken about it, some ideas are in place. Post Happy Ending, we will have more clarity on that project."

Vickey Lalwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 30, 2014)

He spent sleepless nights for a month before his directorial debut, Kick, hit the theatres. Walk into his Yari Road office today and you will find Sajid Nadiadwala grinning from ear to ear.

"Imtiaz Ali (Highway) and Abhishek Varman (2 States) delivered for my production house this year. I couldn't fail, izzat ka sawaal tha," he chuckles, admitting on a serious note that he is relieved that Kick was a commercial success. "How many directors can claim to have made a Rs 200 crore debut?" he asks.

However, unlike others who would have immediately announced another directorial, Sajid has decided to stick to production for the next five years. "I'll not direct before 2019. I have my hands full with productions like Phantom, Tamasha and Housefull 3," he asserts.

Explaining his decision, the filmmaker says, "Kick happened by chance. Salman asked me to wield the megaphone when Shirish Kunder opted out. I thought Salman was joking, but before I could blink, he had tweeted that I was going to be the captain of the ship. After 27 years, I didn't need to turn director but Salman has a teesri aankh, the power of intuition."

Buzz is, Salman ghost directed the film. "Salman did give inputs, More than ghost direct it was dost direct," he laughs, adding that Jeet, featuring the actor, was the turning point of his career. "Salman and I have been close friends since."

Like, every script of his, Sajid too has his share of friends and foes. The conversation becomes a tad uncomfortable when Mirror broaches the subject of Sajid Khan, a frequent collaborator (Housefull, Housefull 2, Heyy Baby), and his sister Farah, a rakhi sister of Nadiadwala, who have cut off ties with him.

"Farah and I have not met after Kick rolled. Pata nahin kya hua, Rakhee bhi bandh ho gayi Farah ki," he sighs, adding that Farah who is "like soda water" had earlier stopped talking to him after her husband, Shrish Kunder's Jaan-EMan released.

"As for Sajid (Khan), I think he was targeted for Humshakals. Creative differences are common in our field, but let's not forget that he also gave three back-to-back hits. In our business, we get stressed and over-react. We are walking a tight rope everyday."

For Sajid, one of his biggest triumphs this year was the successful launch of Tiger Shroff. Having never given a break to anyone, the experience of flagging off Tiger and Kriti Sanon's careers was new and nerve-racking. "I was launching Jackie's son, that was a big responsibility. I'm a father too and understand what the family went through after handing their son's fate to somebody else," he says.

Fortunately, the Heropanti gamble paid off, as did 2 States, and the Marathi film, Lal Bhaari that he wrote for Riteish Deshmukh. "Today, every father is bringing his son to me. It's tough as I don't want to ruin anybody's career but also a new high," he concludes with another wide grin.

Subhash K Jha (DNA; September 10, 2014)


Says a source close to the actress, “Bipasha is not that kind of girl whom anyone would try to intimidate and take advantage of. And she would never be hushed up if such a thing happened.”

Speaking for the first time on these muted stories in the press, Bipasha sets the record straight. Says the spunky actress, “A lot of unsavoury stories are going around about what happened during the shooting. I’ve been reading ‘blind’ stories about some terrible situations that happened during Humshakals. Let me set the record straight. No such thing happened. These are completely false stories. I am not the kind of girl anyone can mess around with. I am fiery and forthright and I don’t take bullshit from anyone.”

There were stories of some ugly incident happening on the sets. “I read about this. I don’t know with whom in Humshakals this happened. It didn’t happen to me. Nobody would dare to behave badly with me. I know how to protect myself.”

When asked about her rapport with the director, Bips says, “The rapport was zero. I shut myself down. I did what I was instructed to do on the sets. That’s it.”

Reacting to Saif disowning the film she says, “But that was after the film released. What was the point? Yes, Humshakals was a bad experience for me. But not for the reasons some media reports are whispering about. No one ever takes advantage of me. I don’t allow it. It’s not in my nature to take bad behaviour quietly or to hush it up. If something ugly were to happen I’d shout about it from rooftops.”

Bipasha does admit, though that Humshakals was the biggest mistake of her career. “I’ve said this before. I am saying it again. I had no clue what I was doing in the film. I was doing a film without a script and role. Even though I knew such comedies are driven by the male characters, I still took it on hoping there would be some substance to my role.”

The actress was paired with Riteish Deshmukh and she says she didn’t mind that. “I didn’t care about not being paired with Saif Ali Khan. I didn’t need to prove myself the main heroine by being paired with him. I wanted to bring a solid quirkiness to my part but that didn’t happen. I was miserable just standing around in every frame trying to figure out what I am supposed to do.”

She blames her business manager for the fiasco that was the film. “I always follow my own instincts about the roles I should do. This time I listened to my business manager. I never listen to managers. She told me it would do my career a lot of good. It was a big lesson for me. I should always listen to only my heart. I’d rather be part of films like Creature and Alone where I’ve a definite and concrete part to play.”

Bipasha says she had decided not to participate in the marketing. “I didn’t know what to say. Out of respect for the producer Vashu Bhagnani I stayed quiet.”