'I plan to direct a film...'

Article Updated 16 March, 2005 10:00:46 PM IST

'I plan to direct a film...' - Manisha Koirala

After 'Mumbai Express' what next for Manisha Koirala? Is she getting married? Why has she become a troublesome actress? These are the questions on the lips of everybody connected to the film industry.

Vickey Lalwani caught up with her on the above queries... and lots more.

You have almost disappeared from the scene. What can we look forward to in the future?
At the moment, it's empty. But yes, I am going to sign up something in near future.

You are forgetting 'Anjaane- The Unknown' (costarring Sanjay Kapoor, Tejaswini Kolhapure)?
Yeah. That's one film I have, but I have completed shooting for it. It has been delayed a bit. It may release in April.

It’s said that you were not punctual while shooting and dubbing for 'Anjaane- The Unknown'?
That's not the reason for the delay. I was fully committed to the project. I have finished the dubbing. Actually, there were problems between the production manager and the producer.

What's happening to your home-production film Raja Dil Ka Ghulam? Why don't you complete and release it?
We want to finish it off fast. There was a shortage of funds. Now, we are in the process of getting SaharaOne into the project. Thereafter, we will complete the remaining portions.

It’s said that you are not interested in pushing the film any further?
Rubbish. My brother Siddharth is the hero of the film. Plus my own money is stuck in it. Why would I do such a thing?

Your brother Siddharth made his debut in the sex film 'Fun'. Was that a right decision on his part?
I haven't seen ‘Fun’. Siddharth didn't want us to see it (laughs). But my dad went ahead. He says Siddharth has potential. Hmmm... Raja Dil Ka Ghulam would have been a better debut for him. But then, it wasn't easy for him to wait so long.

How do you feel when you hear Shashilal Nair going around and saying that he is making a film 'Madame M' which is based on your personal life?
Let's not talk about that man. Next question, please.

When are you getting married?
I don't know. I would like to ask this question to the Almighty.

But a few months ago you were very vociferous that you will soon tie the knot with your boyfriend Cecil?
Yes, I did say that. But perhaps the right time keeps going further away.
(Shrugs) Actually, I don't mind being single. I like remaining single (laughs).

Any plans on direction?
Yes. I plan to direct a film. It will be a short film, running time about 15 minutes. I intend casting seven or eight stage actors in my film and the subject will have a feel of the jhopadbattis in the slum areas. I intend shooting the film for 15 days in and around Dharavi. It is a concept with the accent on fun.

What about the release plans of the short film?
I am aiming at entering it at International Film festivals in the short film category, including the forthcoming Mumbai International Film Festival of Short Films, Documentaries and Animation Films.

Are there any new lessons that you have learned from the industry in the recent past?
Not to do films like 'Chahaat- Ek Nasha' (co-starring Aryan Vaid, Preeti Jhangiani), which gave me a lot of flak from the critics and public.

Didn't you realize during its making that it was going absolutely haywire?
I did. At that point of time, however, it had gone beyond the point where I could put my foot down and not disturb the whole process. Chalta hai. We all make mistakes, don't we?

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