This is probably the first time you are working with a dog. Did you ever want to work with a dog in any film since you are a dog lover yourself?
Actually, it's been a passion for me to want to work with animals on quite a few occasions. Having dived with bated sharks in Blue, pulling an elephant up a hill in Khatta Meetha and now having worked lovingly alongside my K9 co- star Entertainment', I can happily cross off a few from my wish list. There is much more to come from me and my furry side in the future though. But it's Entertainment that's left truly a remarkable paw print on my career. This experience has been unforgettable right from the first bark I heard on the set.
Did you have any reservations as Sajid- Farhad are debutant directors? One should never open a subject if there are reservations blinding you. Sajid and Farhad being debutants is no concern of mine. I have faith in them as people, as brothers, as writers and as two people living to create their own family masterpiece.
It's not a degree in the art of film or the Oscars that make a true commercial success but it's hard work, dedication and a passion to prove one's worth.
There is no passion like a first- time director, it's enlightening and an extremely refreshing experience to work with and one I'll never tire of.
How was it working with Tamannaah? Tamannaah is in her sweet element in this film.
She was the perfection of innocence in this film and is definitely a class A' actress in the making. She was constantly amused by all my antics on the sets, which is always a good thing to have between co- stars. She's very sporting and has returned home with two dogs from the film, which only confirms what a good human being she is.
Sajid Khan has delivered flops when he worked outside. Will you work with him again?
Of course I will. Everyone has a flop under their belt, nobody is world class every time they walk on to a set or even a football or cricket pitch for that matter. One can't produce a blockbuster every time, just like Sachin ( Tendulkar) couldn't hit a six every ball, but that didn't stop him from being the greatest player of all time.
You are working with many new girls like Lisa Haydon and Kriti Sanon. Is it a conscious effort to make fresh pairs?
Absolutely, fresh is the new black as they say. I make so many films, it would be a shame not to introduce new heroines and give the audience a new vision. I mean come on, it's bad enough they see my face all the time, the least I can do is give them a new pretty face to fall in love with alongside mine.
( Winks) I'm kidding, it's not only me, my producers and directors love working with fresh faces and new talent. It's an honour to have the opportunity to give others the same opportunity I was once in need of. Growth is the most important key to an industry like this.
Grazing Goats is doing very well with good content Hindi films and regional films. What's next?
I'm so pleased to say it really is wonderful to see my company grow and earn respect for the kind of films we have chosen in our first year of production. We have worked hard to make cinema that widens perspectives and launches almost untouchable projects.
It's one of the greatest feelings to create something unheard of. Nothing is too taboo for us. We have the courage, sense and a passion for all genres, stories, scripts and ventures.
Salman Khan has been showering praises on you as the hardest working actor. Would you like to return the compliment?
I would more than love to return the compliment to the point I have on many occasions. The love and respect I have for Salman and his father ( Salim Khan) is unprecedented. We always have and always will have a mutual respect for each other's careers. He thinks I'm hard working, I think he's the perfect hero.
He's the people's choice and always has been. He deserves all the success and adulation he's getting. I'm just happy he still remembers me and how good it was when we co- starred together because I've always thought our duo was one of a kind.
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