Tahir Hussain
One’s only as old as he thinks, and I’m only 20!

At 79, this filmmaker continues to defy age. Fit as a fiddle, he still churns out films with themes that appeal to the youth as to other sections of the audience. On the eve of the release of his new film, Dil Dhoondta Hai, he answers our questions with the trademark childlike grin...

What made you think of making a film with relative newcomers at this stage?
It was correct that I have been making films with stars all these years. I have realised lately that it is not the stars who sell a film, so much as the banner and team. Do any of the so-called stars guarantee success to a film? Of course, they don’t. So, tell me, what’s the point in making a film with them? Moreover, by working with newcomers, one is also introducing fresh talents to the industry.

But how successful have you been in selling the film?
This has been our greatest difficulty. But we are prepared to stick it out and face it head on, because we know the situation will improve, once I show the final product to the distributors. Having seen the rushes lately, I am confident the film has shaped up well.

Considering you had a star son (Aamir Khan) at your disposal what was the need to make a film with newcomers? This is one question movie-buffs are asking.
Like I said, I have lost all faith in the stars, and the same applies to Aamir, too. It’s very difficult to make films with the stars, these days. I don’t have the patience to wait for their dates. In Aamir’s case, he is busy with his own projects and has slowed down in terms of taking on fresh assignments. So naturally, getting his dates would have been a problem, even if I wanted them. But I don’t believe in the star system. Look at what’s happening to their films these days and you’ll know why.

You have started a talent bank for newcomers. Tell us about it.
Well, I think it’s an idea whose time has come, although it’s something no one has thought about so far. I take a lot of pains to get the best talents out there. We undertake a rigorous screen test and talent test of prospective artistes and only if found suitable to act in films are they signed on for the contract. I have plans to make at least four films a year and all these talented artistes will get a chance to act in them. They are made to sign a contract for 10 years, whereby they will not be able to work in any other films without my consent. If any producer wants to sign them they will have to give a percentage of their remuneration to our company.

Don’t you think this is unjustified in case you do not make films regularly?
I don’t think so. It takes a great deal of effort from us, and nothing comes free in the industry. I promote fresh talent, but it must be understood that only real talents are promoted. If grooming and polishing up these rough diamonds takes effort, why shouldn’t we expect a share of their fees?

When almost all senior filmmakers have handed over the baton to the next generation, you are still holding on, with new vigour, too.
I don’t believe in age. It should never be allowed to become a deterring factor for filmmakers. I still take active interest in all departments of film production just as I used to a couple of years ago. I still interact with youngsters like a friend of their own age group. That’s the magic. You won’t believe it, but I still occasionally show them dance steps and always my suggestions are accepted.

How do you manage to come up with fresh ideas at your age?
Oh, it’s a misconception that only the younger generation can come up with great, fresh ideas. Besides, one is only as old as one thinks he is. I may be 79, but I feel like a 20-year old (laughs heartily).

And lastly, is there any truth in the rumours that there is a tug of war between you and Aamir?
No, there’s no truth in it whatsoever, not even a grain of it. The issue has been blown out of all proportion by a section of the media. In fact, Aamir, with his acting assignments has not been able to give much attention to our company, and asked that he be allowed to retire from the concern. He in fact served a public notice, which is the regular practice, and the media played it up as if there were some problem between my son and me. That’s a lot of nonsense and little else.

Padmaraj Nair