Is Kunal Kohli’s film inspired by the classic drama Mary Poppins?
At this point of time I cannot reveal much about the film except that I play a very cute, nice and comic character that I have never played before. You will also see a revamped Ameesha Patel in the film. Manish Malhotra, Kunal Kohli and I sat down and worked on an entirely new look. Besides, I had to tone up my body immensely as I had an underwater song sequence while scuba diving.

What about Lucky 2 and Chatur Singh the other two films?
Lucky 2 is an over-the-top comedy, in which Govinda plays a prisoner and I a very young and vibrant collegian. I have never played such a loud character before in my entire career, and I am thoroughly enjoying it. Govinda is a fantastic co-star and has us in splits all the time. Sanju’s film, which is directed by Ajay Chandok, is also a fun flick in which he plays a bungling cop. It’s too early to say anything more about it.

A lot of stars are signing two-three film deals with corporate houses..is there anything in the offing for you?
Well, Ashtavinayak did offer me a three -film deal recently, but I turned it down. I believe if someone wants to work with you, they can always approach you when they have a role for you. I think it is a bubble that will soon burst!

Is it true that you are miffed with Priyadarshan for giving you a raw deal in Bhool Bhulaiyaa?
Never! I could never be annoyed with Priyadarshan. Even if he asked me to do two scenes in his film I would gladly do it. Priyan and I go back five years, the first time he asked me to work with him. But despite him doing a couple of projects, things did not work out till Bhool Bhulaiyaa. We decided to work together to break the jinx! And I have no regrets.

Has your break-up with Vikram Bhatt put you off relationships and love?
No. An end to relationships does means pain and depression and something not easy to get over, but I still have faith in them. Life is full of ups and downs and the real challenge lies in moving on. I refuse to indulge in self-pity as I like a lot of positive energy around me. That is why even after my relationships have ended I have remained good friends with my ex-flames. Vikram and I are still good friends today.

It is said that you land nowin a mood to make-up with your parents.
I don’t know who is saying this because it is a personal issue and this is something I would not like to comment on now.

Very few people know that you are an accomplished Bharatanatyam dancer. Are you still actively involved with the art?
I am dying to put on my ghungroos, but where is the time? My Guruji refuses to take me under his tutelage unless I can devote four hours at a stretch to my dance. It is a serious art form that needs devotion and dedication. I will definitely start practising again…but when I cannot say.

What kind of films are you looking at now?
Any part which challenges me as an actor……my personal favourites are period films as I love going back in history. That’s the reason I agreed to do Mangal Pandey despite having a very brief role. Playing a dancer in a period film would be great!

Are you keen to do television?
No! I was offered a few shows but I declined them all. Presently I am concentrating only on films.

Work’s worth
Vikram Bhatt speaks about his upcoming period film 1920, on why he prefers working with lesser known actors, and his passion for work and life after his much talked about split with Ameesha Patel
What is the subject of your new film 1920?
1920 is a period film set in the times of the British Raj. It’s the love story of a Indian man and a Indian woman. But, it has its twist, the film also has a supernatural element and is worth its weight in terms of the number of thrills.
So the ongoing period film trend made its way to your think tank as well?
If I were following a trend you would probably be asking me questions about a comedy film with an ensemble cast. 1920 is not a part of a trend, it’s a unique but great story. The film gave me the freedom for a certain degree of creative expression that I wanted to undertake. This film has a great script, story and a big budget - these were incentives enough to make it.
What out of the three elements that you just mentioned got you most interested?
It has to be the story. There are some stories that are embedded in reality and when they’re told, they leave you in awe. 1920 is one such content-driven film that is high on its ambience and fantasy values.

How did you recreate the look of colonial India?
Prajat Poddar, the film’s production designer, has a big hand in recreating the British look in the film. We did a lot of research for the film before we constructed our sets or started shooting at locations. Most of our outdoor schedule was shot in the UK in Yorkshire county, which still has the old imperial look with a plethora of castles and old architecture.
The film has so many recognisable elements from that era. The sights and sounds of horse carriages, no electricity, lamps and lanterns and the misty weather will all add to the film’s ambience.
Does the mist contribute in creating a murky ambience for the supernatural element?
In a way it does. When you couple a ghost story with an innocent love drama you get a combination that works. Owing to its surprise elements 1920 is bound to be a thoroughly gripping film that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The mist, will have the audience encapsulated in an atmosphere of doubt and suspense.
What’s cast of 1920 like?
It’s got a lot of new comers. The lead pair, Rajnish Duggal and Adah, are making their debuts and Anjorie Alagh is also a part of the film.
You seem to prefer working with youngsters these days.
It’s not that I am looking to work with youngsters only. Being a commercial filmmaker I would love to work with contemporary superstars. But the fact is they are just too busy. At any given point of time, anyone in the industry has a lot of work on hand. Big stars will ask me to wait for three to four years and that is something I am averse to. I am a workaholic; I need to be in touch with my work at all times. Young actors are enthusiastic, easily available and very receptive to a filmmaker’s vision.

Do you ever feel frustrated about stars playing hard to get?
I don’t. I understand, a lot of the stars today have their own production houses and are busy planning for films for themselves or their peers. They are stars and I would love to make them be a part of my work but I can’t expect someone to shelve their work on hand for me.
But, what I do not like are those media-made stars. People who are nothing more than limelight hoggers taken to stardom thanks to some sleazy controversy or stupid gossip. I want to stay away from such people and be happy doing some quality work with those who do not come forth with exaggerated egos.
Is there anyone in particular whom you’re talking about?
Sorry, I can’t point fingers.
Has the split with Ameesha Patel been hard to handle?
It’s an unfortunate thing, but I see no point in ruing about it all the while. Sadder things happen in the lives of everyone and we all learn to move on. I feel sad that things did not last longer than they did but I can’t change anything now.
Would you be open to working with Ameesha in the future?
Why not? If there is a worthwhile project on offer it would be great to work with someone as talented as her.
What are upcoming films?
For now it’s only 1920.