|
By Sam Š2004 Bollyvista.com |
As an actress Revathy was grace personified. Quality more than quantity always mattered to her. She would never do a film just for the sake of it. A highly respected name down South, she made her debut as an actress in Hindi cinema with Salman Khan in 'Love'. She made her debut as director with the highly acclaimed 'Mittr', which not only gave her a lot of acclaim but also gave actress Shobana, the National Award. Now, Revathy is ready with her second film as director - 'Phir Milenge' starring Salman Khan, Shilpa Shetty and Abhishek Bachchan. As her nature goes, this time around too, she has come up with a subject, which is socially very sensitive and relevant - a story of an AIDS victim. Revathy speaks out...
Why is that women always choose to direct films which are not regular mainstream subjects of Hindi cinema?
I must tell you that 'Phir Milenge' is not an offbeat film. Its topic is certainly relevant socially, but it is laced with all the commercial ingredients. And after all, everyone loves to direct a film which he or she feels comfortable with.
Isn't it true that you had approached a couple of other heroines to play the AIDS victim, but they didn't have the guts to do the role?
That's true and I tell you when they see the film, they will realize what an opportunity they have lost. You need to have confidence to do this kind of a film and I believe Shilpa, Salman and Abhishek all had the guts and belief in themselves.
There are several stories how Salman helped you or got into the film. Could you clarify the facts?
Abhishek and Shilpa were already doing 'Phir Milenge'. Shilpa was shooting with Salman for 'Garv' when she told him that she was doing this film, which I am directing. From Rajasthan where Salman was shooting he spoke to me and asked me whether he could fit into the film. That's how Salman came in.
You had worked with Salman as his co-star. Now how was it directing him?
For me, it was as normal as acting with him. He is very professional and knows how to behave with his directors. And with the passage of time, he has matured a lot.
To date Shilpa Shetty is mainly considered as an item girl or rather glamour puss. Don't you think it was risky to cast her in such a challenging role?
Shilpa is a talented girl but nobody had tapped her real potential as an actress. It was a lifetime opportunity for her to prove that what she is capable as an actress. And she has done justice to the character.
Wasn't it difficult to find a producer for the film since the subject was sensitive and non-commercial?
No. In fact, Percept Pictures, the producers of the film, wanted it to be entirely different from the usual run-of-the-mill stuff.
But don't you think the audience will be still a little wary of such subjects?
First of all, my film is not about medical education of AIDS. It is basically a romantic film with a lot of emotions. It tries to tell the society that AIDS is not as dangerous as it is made out to be. I know one of my friends who has AIDS for the last 17 years and is still leading a healthy life. I mean we don't have any right to kill any person before his death. He has the right to live like any normal person.
Salman's good run at the box-office in recent times too must have gladdened you...
Surely, when I planned the film I thought of making a small but neat film. I never thought it would become so big at the time of its release.
It is learnt you are not happy with T-Series putting additional songs in the music album of 'Phir Milenge'...
According to me, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy have done a great job as far as the film's music is concerned. There was no need for T-Series to put in additional songs composed by other music directors in the music album. It is ethically wrong for any music company to do this since only the director knows the mood of the film. I am totally unhappy with this episode. The music company should always consult the director before taking such decisions.
What's next?
I am working on a script. And I will certainly also direct a Tamil or Malayalam film if I get a proper subject. |
SEARCH
