The man with a different mind: Rakeysh Om

Excerpts from the Interview:

The film is finally going to hit the marquee. How do you feel about it?

I've been so busy of late that I didn't get time to check my reactions about the final draft of the film. All I can say is that as a director I've made the film to my best and have done my job. I'm really excited the way the film has shaped up.

You voice your opinion to the new generation through the film. What exactly are you trying to say?

In Rang De Basanti I'm basically narrating a story. I've made sure that I put the facts correctly and make the story heard by as much people as I can. The film is an interpretation in my own way and I would like people to associate with it. The story is about young people. It is vivid and modern in regard of language and uniqueness. The film is a true representation of India and is very original. There is a very strong message in the end. It will make you think. But above everything else there is so much entertainment in the film. The film intends to speak to the youth and the nation and maybe the universe as a whole.

What is the story about?

The film has a modern setting and talks about the youth of the modern times. It talks about people who are at the edge of life. The film is about a group of people who form a band with Soha Ali Khan and Alice Patten. All the characters in the film represent human nature in some way or the other and you'll feel yourself relating to them. The film is an outlook from the eyes of the young bunch of people. But their life takes a change when the time comes to make a choice and realize their responsibility. Bear the consequences of their choice thereafter.

How did you hook Aamir Khan to do the film?

What is your achievement as a director with the film?

This is my second film and it makes it obvious that I don't get turned on with average kind of stories. For me the screenplay should be very interesting. This is a film with a very engrossing screenplay and I've tried to adapt it to the screen to the best of my ability. In this film I experimented with my style to narrate the stories. This film has certainly made me much more sensible in terms of filmmaking.

Is the film of patriotic tone?

It will be difficult to categorize the film under one particular genre. But I can't call it exactly as patriotic because it is a contemporary film depicting things that are happening in our life at present. And we are not talking about any revolution or war. It is a film that speaks more about peace. The film is neither preachy. The film has my personal tone and style. It is not larger-than-life but is very realistic meant for fun.

Do you think that Aamir is the right fit for the role of a college goer?

Why not! He is the perfect choice for the male protagonist of 28-30 years. He is such a perfectionist. He worked hard to look his age, lost 10-15 kgs following a strict diet. He is so much into the character that he plays.

What is your say about the other lesser-known actors?

All of them were working with Aamir and so they worked doubly hard not to get overshadowed by him. Everybody working in the film are immensely talented. Veteran stars like Waheeda Rehman, Om Puri, Kirron and Anupam Kher have delivered unmatchable performance. Atul Kulkarni too is of different league. The young bunch of talents is worth watching.

You can call Alice Patten as a discovery in your own right. We had lots of requirements for the role and it was not easy to choose a girl out of it. We needed someone who would commit to come to India for eight months, do a month of Hindi coaching, a month for rehearsals and six months for shooting. Alice was finalized, an English girl from the theatre circuit, all the way from South Africa. She was the right choice for the role. Soha Ali Khan is so special for the film. She has acting in her genes and can glide through the challenging parts. She's very different and very original.

What is the USP of the film?

Everything about it! The story, production worth Rs 25 crores, screenplay, Aamir Khan, rest of the cast, A R Rehman's music, a great crew, experience, and talent.