Impressed with cast, Sudhir Mishra to take 'Johnny' story forward

Mumbai, Dec 19 (IANS) Have you heard of a sequel being planned because the director has fallen in love with the cast? This is precisely what has happened with director Sudhir Mishra during the making of 'Tera Kya Hoga Johnny'.

Mishra is so enamoured of his 'Johnny' family that he doesn't want to let go.

'I want to carry the story forward now. There's room for the characters to go forward. And I don't want to lose the family that I've made during the making of 'Tera Kya Hoga Johnny'. Not yet,' Mishra told IANS.

'I've worked with the most temperamental of stars. When I did 'Calcutta Mail', I was told Manisha Koirala would be a problem. She was fine. Then during 'Chameli', it was said that Kareena Kapoor was a problem.

'On the contrary, she stood in the sun and studio rain for two hours at a stretch in that garish prostitute's sari and make-up without complaining. I've been singularly lucky with actors. In all my career, I've never had any problem with any actor.'

But the yet-to-be released 'Johnny' that stars Kay Kay Menon, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Karan Nath and Soha Ali Khan takes the cake.

'It's an ensemble cast. Kay Kay, Neil, Karan and Soha gave me more than any bunch of actors ever. They all knew the new boy Sikandar had the main role. They didn't mind at all.

'In fact, Neil was the epitome of cooperation. He came to the shootings even when he wasn't required. He knew he didn't have a pivotal role. But he sat on the sets, came to the editing and even re-shot for two days just before leaving for the US.'

So pleased was Mishra with Neil's work that he invited his father, singer Nitin Mukesh, and mother to see the film.

'Do you know Nitin Mukesh assisted Hrishikesh Mukherjee? So he's half a filmmaker himself. When Nitin Mukesh saw 'Tera Kya Hoga Johnny', he was bowled over. He took us all out for dinner. Neil, Karan, Soha all became a part of my family. All the actors are splendid in my film.

'In fact, Nagesh Kukunoor saw Karan in my film and signed him for 'Bemisal', which he's shooting right now in Rajasthan. And when I had a problem with my producer, Karan's father came forward to help with not just his son's but also Neil's payments.

'And Neil whose Rs.200,000 was pending offered to forgo the money. He told me to use it to complete the film. Tell me, which director gets to work with such actors? I'm blessed.'

Stories that Neil has been troublesome bother and amuse Mishra.

'They say he refused to dub. But 'Tera Kya Hoga Johnny' is in sync sound! There's no dubbing required. Neil is almost like a son to me now,' said Mishra.