Would you attribute this assignment to the success of Slumdog Millionaire?
Indeed. The exposure that Slumdog gave me has widened my horizons — now, the world is the arena. I have an agent in Los Angeles now and there are some good offers coming in but nothing else is concrete yet. For now, I have 24 and the Danny Boyle movie that is still being planned.
The first movie under Anil Kapoor Productions banner — Gandhi, My Father — and the second — Short Kut – The Con is On — have nothing in common. Are you not taking a risk by experimenting with genres?
But then my career’s always followed such a pattern — if I’ve done Ram Lakhan, I’ve also done Eeshwar, if I’ve done Welcome and Biwi No 1, there’s also 1942 – A Love Story. I don’t fear taking risks because every success only emboldens me and every failure helps me learn from my mistakes.
What is your vision for the production house?
I would like to continue to experiment and make movies across genres. I come from a family where my father, brothers, children – everyone’s been a part of the industry and hence films are a way of life for us. Short Kut releases on July 10 and the very same day my next film, No Problem, takes off in South Africa. Meanwhile I’m also working on Ayesha, a film with my daughter Sonam, based on the classic, Emma. It will hopefully go on the floors soon.
You must be very proud since Sonam has made her presence felt quite early in her career.
Every father is a proud father but I am indeed happy for Sonam. I was pleasantly surprised at IIFA Awards in Macau when I realised that the very sight of Sonam created a bigger stir among the audiences than me. She was acknowledged well and that can be a very proud moment for any father. What also makes me extremely happy is the fact that she has established herself through her professionalism and work ethic.
Are you a protective father?
I do tend to get protective like any other father would but I allow her to make her own decisions and learn from her mistakes. As a father, it’s tough to see your child fall but that’s the only way they’ll learn to walk.
I never reprimand her but one thing I always tell her is to be grounded and surround herself with people who will tell her the truth rather than just massage her ego.
