You can't miss these men in white. Well known for their slick thrillers, director jodi Abbas-Mustan have kick-started several careers in Bollywood. Akshay Kumar's first commercial success was Khiladi. Shah Rukh Khan established himself as an anti-hero in Baazigar and Priyanka Chopra played her first negative role in Aitraaz. Shilpa Shetty, Preity Zinta and Arbaaz Khan were their discoveries too. After over three decades in showbiz, the filmmakers are now ready to launch an actor from their home turf, quite literally. Abbas' son Mustafa, after assisting on three films, debuts with Machine. The filmmakers met us for a conversation. Excerpts:

You both started your journey in Bollywood as a director duo with Agnikaal, along with your brother Hussain Burmawala as the editor of your films. What makes the three of you tick as a team?
MUSTAN: Our parents came from joint families. They advised us to always be together. Even we don't want to ever detach as brothers. We have a strong emotional attachment with one another and that continues as we live together as one big happy family.
ABBAS: We can't live without each other. We grew up together, so we are more like buddies. We never ever hide anything from each other. We learnt editing together and while the two of us became directors, Hussain followed his calling of editing film. We don't consider ourselves as three, but one.

But creatively, there would be disagreements, right?
MUSTAN: We work together as a team. Hussain is equally involved in the writing part. When we work on a subject with our writers, we're joined by our assistants as we believe that even they (assistants) should be well-versed in all departments of filmmaking.
ABBAS: Any differences of opinion are resolved by discussion and reasoning. We go with what works best for the film. We never have ego issues with each other. But as directors, we take the final call.

You are also known as Bollywood's Men In White. What's this fascination with dressing in crisp whites, always?
MUSTAN: Coincidentally, during our school days our uniforms were either white or off-white. It was never conscientious, but Abbas bhai used to always wear white first, I followed suit. Later, Hussain bhai followed. Since we live together and wear white, it's natural that our clothes get mixed up. So our clothes are marked by our first name initials - A, M and H. Even our kids have seen us like this since the time they were born, so they are used to it. The only time we wear other colours are when we are shooting in places where the weather is cold. We're too focused on work to go looking for warm clothes in white. We have a tailor who has been making our clothes for years and the best part is that we don't have to worry about what to wear the next day.

There were reports that you were keen to make a thriller called Machine with Amitabh Bachchan leading the cast.
ABBAS: We had shared a script with Amitabh Bachchan, but it was another subject and it's not called Machine. We will continue going to him with scripts till he agrees. Who wouldn't want to work with him? After all, he's an icon of Indian cinema.

Abbas, your son Mustafa was assisting on your last few films. What made you think that Machine was the right launch pad for him?
MUSTAN: When we completed writing Machine, we were looking to cast a newcomer as the script required a fresh face without any image whatsoever. And it was Hussain's son Zainul, who suggested we consider Mustafa. Until then, we hadn't considered him for the role. We asked him if he shared this view with Mustafa. He's been involved in the scripting of Machine from the start. In fact, back in 2012, we got him to do a small role in Players, for a scene featuring Sonam Kapoor. We needed an Indian guy and didn't get anyone, so we made him do the part.
ABBAS: After a week of mulling over, we asked Mustafa to give us a narration, complete with enactment of the characters. He even gave us a tape of his audition, where he enacted a variety of scenes. Only after we saw him perform, we decided that he would be able to justify the character.

Though you made a sequel of only one of your many hits, Race, reports have been rife about a sequel to Humraaz. Also, didn't you think of making more in the Khiladi series, after the first one which released in 1992?
MUSTAN: For us to make another Khiladi, we have to get the right subject. The sequel for Humraaz is currently being scripted. It has to be in a similar zone and justify the title. The casting will be difficult, but first, we have to lock the script that excites us enough to make it.

There have been too many speculations about the third instalment of Race - right from Salman Khan starring in it to someone else directing it...
ABBAS: Producer Ramesh Taurani is the right person to answer all questions about Race 3. Even we have been reading and hearing a lot of things, but we have never asked him. The script of the third instalment of Race has to be a couple of notches above the first two, only then it deserves to be made.

Kiara Alia Advani is one lucky girl! She has already managed to tick two names from her bucket list of directors - Neeraj Pandey and Abbas-Mustan - in a span of just three films. Unfazed by much-bandied words like nepotism and camps in Bollywood, Kiara is grateful to have made it on her own. In a chat with Bombay Times, the actress talks about playing heroine to debutant Mustafa (Abbas Burmawalla's son) in Machine, her friendship with Sakshi Dhoni and mentor Salman Khan...

Since Machine is Mustafa's launch vehicle in Bollywood, were you apprehensive about getting eclipsed by him?
You are in for a powerful role when you are an Abbas-Mustan heroine. They present you beautifully and the actress does not just sing and dance, but also has a performance-oriented role. So, I was confident about this project. Abbas-Mustan featured on my bucket list of directors. They are the most humble people I have met. In fact, I was more pampered than Mustafa on the set. Interestingly, he would address them as 'Sir' despite being family. If he is a grounded person, it's because of his upbringing.

Mustafa comes across as shy...
He was reserved in the beginning, but we broke the ice over food during an outdoor schedule in Georgia. We love the same kind of food. We would have lunch and dinner together, which helped us bond. There were things he did which were really cute - like waiting for me after pack-up, as he knew I would be hungry, too. While doing the most intense scenes, I would ask him his lunch plans. We would be mostly talking about food and have long conversations during our meals.

So, does that make him good boyfriend material?
You are putting these words in my mouth! I think he is a great friend. Besides, I'd rather be known for my work than my relationship status. I enjoy what I do. I consider myself lucky to have the space to do what I love. It has been a dream to be an actor and here I am! My first film taught me the need to have patience. Of course, there are times when it's tough. I have managed to come so far on my own. I don't go to parties. I am socially awkward. At the end of the day, recommendations are fine up to a point. Beyond that, it's just your talent.

Is the first break difficult to come by, especially when you're on your own?
There are so many people who have made it without any backing. I don't know about camps. I'm comfortable meeting people at their offices in a professional capacity. There could be nepotism to some extent. Even I would like to see my favourite star's son or daughter on screen. But they will stay only if the audience accepts them.

After delivering a commendable performance in M S Dhoni - The Untold Story, do you feel more pressure while being paired opposite a newcomer in Machine?
A film is not about just one or two actors; there are over 200 people working on one project. Everyone celebrates if it does well, and if it does badly, everyone is affected. It's easy to diss a film, but no one knows how much hard work, time, sweat and blood goes into making it. So, there's equal pressure on all of us. I hope to meet the audience's expectations and will try to push the envelope. For now, I am happy that I lived up to Abbas-Mustan's expectations.

But do you think you have made the right choice?
Absolutely! I have been instinctive when it comes to picking films or characters. I never look at it as a right career move. I can't be calculative. Machine is the most satisfying choice I have made.

The film is about racing enthusiasts.Are you one in real life?
Maybe back in the day when Michael Schumacher was a rage. I drive because that makes me feel independent. I learnt it when I turned 18. But driving a Formula One car in the film was my first brush with racing. We had a foreign crew, comprising action masters who trained us. It's quite a task to drive a Formula One car; you get in the car and then attach the wheel, which is hot and heavy. The noise is deafening. We were not allowed too many laps.

How much has life changed after Dhoni's biopic?
Even today, people call me Sakshi. Being known as the character off screen is the best thing for an actor. That means she has made that kind of an impact. I remember how everyone was looking forward to the film as it revolved around one of our most celebrated cricketers, and I was playing his wife. I knew the film would do well, but I had never imagined I would get so much love and appreciation. I also got to know M S Dhoni and Sakshi

Are you in touch with Sakshi?
We text each other once in a while. We last met at the Coldplay concert. While prepping for my character, Sakshi told me to talk to her like a friend and not just observe her. Today, I can call her my friend.

Salman Khan rechristened you Kiara from Alia. When will we see you working with him?
I always take Salman Sir's advice. It's great to know someone with so much experience, especially when you are new and finding your feet. He answers my calls instantly. He is honest, has always told me to work hard and let my work do the talking. I hope he decides to work with me some day, because I haven't had the guts to tell him that I want to work with him.

When it comes to launching your child, you are bound to go all out to promote him. And director Abbas Burmawalla, of Abbas-Mustan duo fame, is no different. The filmmaker is making sure to get the best team possible to launch his son Mustafa with the romantic thriller Machine, which is slated to release on February 17, next year. Since the film has a good amount of action, stuntmen from France and Hong Kong have been roped in. In an interview with Bombay Times, Abbas and Mustan give us glimpses of Mustafa and why they chose to launch him in a film that's been described as a twisted love story ...

What made you finalise Mustafa for this film?
When the first draft of the script was ready, we thought Machine would be an appropriate title for it. We always complete the script first and then approach the actor. We needed someone who didn't have a set image for this film. That's when our nephew suggested that we take Mustafa as the hero of the film. We didn't react as we hadn't thought about it. It took us a week to consider the idea. Mustafa knew everything about the script. And we were impressed when he enacted a few scenes from it.

Tell us a bit about the film...
It's a twisted love story. It's a grand film with car racing and romance, which the youth will connect with. We are shooting the entire film in Georgia. It's all about presentation today. The film needs to be glossy and visually appealing. The idea of romance has undergone a major change; it doesn't take time for the youth to say 'I love you' today. We believe that Mustafa will do a great job.

Are you nervous since it's your son's launchpad?
We are equally passionate and nervous about every project we take up. We are not treating this film any differently just because it's Mustafa's debut. We haven't given him any special treatment either. Every film is our baby. The onus of success and failure of a movie lies mostly on the director. But with this film, the state of excitement and nervousness is a notch higher. We are nervous about how he will deliver, adjust and get used to that setup.

What according to you is Mustafa's USP?
His strength is romance. Although he will be expected to do a lot more in this film as it also has action and drama. It will help him showcase his skills and acting chops. We have told him not to get conscious. He can't learn everything in his debut, as every film helps you grow and hone your talent.

Was he always inclined to doing films?
He has grown up watching our films and wanted to pursue it as a career. We have always taught our children that this industry has given us a lot and they should respect it. If you are positive and work hard, there is no better place than this. Mustafa proposed to assist us on our movies. He went to New York Film Academy for a year and a half and came back brimming with confidence. After working outside, the children realised that the learning was on a superficial level as they were kept out of the scripting process. On the contrary, we involve the entire team right from scratch. He has assisted us on Players, Race 2 and Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon.

Besides doing a film course in NY, how else has Mustafa groomed himself for Bollywood?
He underwent training for diction, pronunciation, and intonation. He is a trained dancer and gymnast. He has always been fitness conscious, so that wasn't really a problem area. We suggested he gets trained for diction, which he did for six months in Delhi. He has worked hard for the part. Now, he is confident and we are happy to launch him. The film is going on floors from May 21.

Have you shared any tips with him to survive in the industry?
We have told him that if the movie does well by the grace of God, he should not let it get to his head. Success is easily attainable, but what's difficult is to handle it. He should stay focussed and be respectful to everyone, irrespective of their position. He will have to be more careful and diligent when he works outside as he will be expected to deliver a hit. We can guide him a couple of times, but he will have to take his own decisions eventually. Goodwill helps you survive difficult times. Don't get bogged down with your lows and take inspiration from your seniors.

How much of your good will will help him sail through?
We share a great rapport with people we have worked with, including actors and producers. We expect them to shower Mustafa with their blessings.

You two are known to be really thick. Does the second generation also share the same bond?
The second generation has outshone us in terms of loyalty and unity. They work and work out together.

There are several camps in Bollywood. How do you steer clear from it?
There are camps in the industry, but that doesn't bother us. We are doing what we do best and believe that everyone should get a chance. There are times when an actor approaches us to direct him. However, there are a lot of factors governing the film-making process, so people like to play it safe with saleable actors. Business has overpowered creativity. But it is to be acknowledged that we are bringing good content to the table.

You've worked with several actors and newcomers. How different are the current crop of actors?
They are more focussed, hard-working, and dedicated. They are disciplined and rarely indulge in late night parties. Previously, actors would shoot four films at a time, but the current crop believes in finishing one project at a time.

Abbas-Mustan are often referred to as the men in white. Has Mustafa ever tried to add colour to your wardrobe?
Our children have seen us in white since they were born. It's not that we are not open to the idea of wearing other colours, but there is no need for it. We feel comfortable in white and it's too late to change it now. We also feel that people who wear colours must always be in a fix deciding what to wear the next day. We don't deal with that stress. We like brightness and gloss. If you watch any of our films, you'll rarely see dark or grim tones, even if the storyline is replete with twists, thrills, suspense and action. On the other hand, Mustafa's favourite colour is blue.