What is the meaning of Firaaq?
Firaaq means both separation and quest. I chose to do a film on this subject because I thought it would click with the urban audience. Every time I think about this issue, I feel helpless, so this is my way of portraying my thoughts. This is the first time I really got to express my thoughts in the way I wanted .

What is the film all about?
Firaaq is a film that reinforces the meaning of human relationships. It’s a film about you and me. It’s a film that will make you stand up and take notice of the situation. It talks about how communal disturbances in the society affect relationships on an interpersonal level. The film traces the emotional journeys of ordinary people.

You have roped in actors like Naseeruddin Shah and Deepti Naval who are known for serious roles. Do you consciously want to project a art film image?
Okay, I have to say this. I always wonder why people typecast a film as art or commercial even before watching it. It is really sad because a lot of people who may actually want to watch the movie lose interest when they hear the term “art film”.Also, because art films are supposed to be boring the situation gets really bad. There are no songs and because we required silence in the film, the background score is also very sparse. It’s a multi-lingual film with English subtitles so that everyone can watch it. While making the film I never think about the image that it projects. I work on issues close to my heart and don’t really know if it is serious or commercial in nature but I can assure you that the audience will enjoy it.

Was direction completely different from acting?
Absolutely. An actor’s work gets over once it’s pack-up. But a director’s job is much more than that. Right from the sets to the script to the dialogues, everything has to be handled by the director. It is a very challenging and stressful job. But I enjoyed every bit of it. There were times when I would find it really difficult because of the technicalities.

Did the fact that you were an actor before turning director help?
Yes, of course. Communicating with the actors was a lot easier. Also the fact that most of the actors are my friends has helped me to a certain extent. I have been able to express my ideas in a better way. Besides, being an actor has its own benefits and it does add to your creativity as a director.

So which do you prefer, acting or direction?
Now that is something that I cannot answer. It’s like asking a mother to choose between her two kids. Acting was something that I had never even dreamt of doing. In my family, films were never considered a form of entertainment. Films just happened. But once I started acting, direction was always at the back of my mind. The world behind the camera has always fascinated me.

Do you plan to direct any more films?
I don’t know! Really, I never plan anything in life. I may make this one film or ten, you never know. As of now I am busy with Firaaq. I started writing it three years ago and after such a long time the film is finally ready. I don’t even know if I want to direct any more films.

Are you open to all genres of films or do you only want to do serious roles?
I don’t understand the term “serious”. Who says my films are serious? I believe that everybody has the right to make their own decisions and doing such roles is my decision. Why should I give justifications for this? I only do films that I like to watch. Yes, I am selfish and live life on my own terms but that is how I am. I would never accept to do a film however big a banner is unless the script really interests me. I am open to all kinds of cinema. I would love to do a comedy or a thriller film. But none of the scripts offered to me had satisfactory roles.