Why are you denying that Kucch To Hai is based on I Know What You Did Last Summer?
Because there is a difference between inspiration and blatant plagiarism. Kucch To Hai is inspired by a genre of films which includes I Know What You Did Last Summer. That was a slasher and so is Kucch To Hai.
Can you elaborate?
In America, there is a genre of films called slashers which give thrillers a scary treatment. Films like Halloween and Prom Night belong to that category. In a slasher, the treatment given to the film is completely different. In such films there isn’t much of a camera movement. You can’t predict what is going to happen. The action in the frame is sudden.
Why did you replace Anurag Basu with Anil Kumar who has had no previous experience of filmmaking to direct the film?
I have worked with Anil Kumar on television and have a high regard for his capability. Also, after Anurag’s exit, I was clear about working with a TV director only, because everyone advised me to do so. The general feeling was that if I take a film director in place of Anurag Basu nobody will give TV directors a chance.
How did you go about casting for the film?
I had cast Esha before Koi Mere Dil Se Pooche had released. I thought she had a great potential as an actress. As for Natassha I had seen her work in my serial Kabhi Souten Kabhi Saheli and found her to be charming as an actress. I have even cast Yash Tonk, another TV actor in an important role. Tusshar, of course is a good actor. I had found him very cute in Mujhe Kuch Kehna Hai.
Esha has not had a big hit in any of her films? Didn’t that make you apprehensive about the fate of your film?
If her films haven’t fared well it’s not her fault. Besides, the audience has not rejected her. If my film fails I won’t blame the actors, I have to take the responsibility.
How was it working with your brother?
Not only Tusshki, it was great fun working with the entire team of Kucch To Hai. I enjoyed bossing over my brother. We were a bunch of fun-filled youngsters on the sets. To be honest, everyone found me to be a hard task-master. Esha, Tusshar and Natassha had started calling me Professor Bakshi, after a character in the film, who is very strict and stern. The moment I walked onto the set, they would whisper Professor Bakshi aa gaye and become serious. In fact, whenever they had to show fear they would pointedly look at me and get their expression right. They would often complain of getting frustrated, thanks to me. (Laughs) I won’t blame them because at times I did overwork them. But it was all done in good spirit.
Since it is a different genre of film which scenes did you find challenging?
Frankly, I can’t pinpoint one particular scene because most of them were challenging. It was a new genre and quite a tough thing for me. We haven’t used special effects or played around with the camera. The beauty of a slasher is that the camera is still and the action is sudden. It is all about how you play with the mind. Fear has to happen, not imposed on the audience. Besides, my film has a strong love triangle and a thriller running simultaneously. Both had to be justified which was not an easy task.
Did your father guide and advise you?
He has been very helpful. He knew a lot of things and would be on the sets whenever I needed him. He would always tell me, if you are scared of failure, you will never acheive success.
Did your experience on TV help you while producing the film?
Television has helped me to learn the art of scripting and developing a character. It has taught me the skill of doing away with even one minute extra scene. It has inculcated discipline in me.
On television you have had a high success ratio. What is the secret?
I have been in the industry for nine years now. It’s been a long struggle. Initially, Doordarshan aired some of my serials. At that time, Balaji Telefilms was not as popular as it is now. During that period I developed many concepts. Later, Hum Paanch on Zee, and Ghar-Ek Mandir on Sony did very well. When Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi bust TRPs, I started rolling out all my planned concepts one after the other.
The latest in line is Kahani Terri Merri on Sony which is replacing Kutumb, right?
Yeah. Kahani Terri Merri is a mahagatha set in a traditional Bengali family. The serial is all about loving a loser. I have tried to make it very emotional. It is one serial made from the heart after Kasauti Zindagi Kay.
On Zee, Kohi Apna Sa has drawn to a close but you are not starting any new show there...
No, that’s because I want to concentrate on Kahani Terri Merri. But my other show on Zee Kammal is doing quite well. It has picked up in ratings.
Why are you obsessed with joint families?
It gives you a lot of colour. When you show a joint family every member of the viewing audience can identify with some character. You can juxtapose drama and follow multiple tracks.
From where do you get so many ideas?
Typical of my zodiac sign Gemini, I am always excited about something in life and fuelled with new thoughts. As for ideas, I gather a bit from real life and also from reading books.
What made you a staunch believer of numerology?
It happened by chance. I met Sunita Menon who told me about the K factor. It helped me and then I stuck onto it. I firmly believe that our life is affected by the planetary positions.
Don’t you think it would have been safer to produce a social drama than a thriller?
When people can see a social drama for free on the television why will they pay and watch it in theatre, even it has big stars in lead roles. After Kucch To Hai I am planning to produce another horror film.