Aap Mujhe Achche Lagne Lage is a film by Hrithik Roshan’s grand-uncle and the naati has given his best to the film, insists veteran writer-producer-director Mohan Kumar who is known for hit films like Aas Ka Panchi, Aayee Milan Ki Bela, Aap Aaye Bahaar Aayee, Anpadh, Aman, Amir Garib, Anjana and Avtaar amongst others. On the eve of the film’s release, the confident filmmaker speaks about his ambitious project.

Let’s go back to the very beginning, your childhood...
Well, my father was a strict police officer. He had me enroll for the Air Force but within three months I was out of there and on my way to Mumbai. Films had always fascinated me. As a kid, I was not allowed to watch films but that only made me even more determined to learn cinema. I was only 18 when I started my career in Mumbai as a clapper boy. Then I moved up to become assistant to director Mohan Segal who made Aulad, Adhikar and New Delhi. Soon I became friendly with J Om Prakash, an accounts manager. Together we dreamt of making films one day soon. Our dream came true when I directed Aas Ka Panchi for him. I built my empire with just Rs 2 in my pocket. I was only 18 when I started my career in films. In 50 years I have made about 18 good films.

You are producing a film after a long time?
That’s right. My last film, Aazmaish, with my son Rohit as the hero, did not do well at the box-office. I guess, it was my fault the film flopped. The script was weak. Also, I guess I got a little carried away by the fact that I was making a film for my son. Earlier, I have given ten golden jubilee hits, and never had I lost my head.

Wouldn’t it have been wiser to let your son struggle for a break too?
I couldn’t do that. I was his father. I had to do something for him.

You must have been very upset that Rohit couldn’t make it as a hero?
Each of us comes into this world with his share of luck. If Rohit was not lucky as an actor, may be he’ll do better as a producer now. My other son Gautam is also a part of Aap Mujhe Achche Lagne Lage. He’s presenting the film.

You are known for your socially relevant films. What made you choose a love story this time?
There is so much tension in the world, so much sorrow everywhere. I don’t think people want to cry anymore when watching a film. That’s why I decided to make Aap Mujhe Achche Lagne Lage (AMALL), a film everyone would enjoy. The music is the film’s highlight. Making films in India today is like going to a war. Only Indian directors can work in such an atmosphere. Put a foreign director in the situation in which we find ourselves, and he’ll return the signing amount and walk away in sheer frustration.

You sound disillusioned and distressed. Is it so hard to adapt to the changing times?
(Sighs) See, one has to change with the times. But realistically, not much has changed. For Aas Ka Panchi I paid Vyjayantimala Rs 2.35 lakh to work in my Rs 10 lakh project. Today, I’m told, producers are paying Shah Rukh Khan Rs 2.35 crore for a Rs 10 crore film. Star prices are just as steep. And the ratio of money earned and spent is the same.

What was it like working with Hrithik?
I have known Hrithik since he was a child. Hrithik’s grandmother, J Om Prakash’s wife, and my wife are sisters. Hrithik and my children have grown up together. I knew he would be a great dancer even when he was a little boy. And he was always so dedicated. I signed him long before he started shooting for Kaho Naa Pyar Hai. He has already proved that he is a good actor.

What made you sign Vikram Bhatt to direct your film?
Again, I have known Vikram for a long time. I have worked with his father, cameraman Pravin Bhatt in many films. I have seen Vikram’s films and liked his work. He was the natural choice to direct this film.

Finally, all your films have titles beginning with the alphabet ‘A’. What’s behind this fixation?
Nothing really. I liked the title Aas Ka Panchi. After that it just became a habit to have film titles beginning with “A”. It brought me luck in the past. Let’s hope it works this time too.

— Namita Nivas
namitanivas@yahoo.com

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