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The film festival you came for opened withJism. Do you think the subject of the film is still relevant?
I watched Jism in Ranchi after 14 years. Despite the fact that movie content has become bolder over the years, the sensuality that Bipasha Basu exudes in the film spoke volumes. I never made Jism to titillate male fantasies. The film is relevant even now. It is for the women of our society, who are tired of being looked upon as sex objects and wish to give their emotions an outlet. It will remain relevant till people stop objectifying women.
So, how did Ranchi treat you?
This is my first visit to Ranchi. Endless carpets of green look divine. There are so many beautiful places in our country, which are virtually unexplored. I loved this place.
You were supposed to shoot a part of your film, Cabaret, in Jharkhand. What happened?
We have just wrapped up our Jaipur schedule and headed for Lucknow next. Only after that we will be in a position to plan the Jharkhand leg of the shoot.
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You must be happy that Sreesanth has been acquitted of spot-fixing charges. Will he still be debuting in your film?
We are naturally very happy and Sreesanth is also relieved. Whether he will still be interested in acting is something only he can answer. Cricketers are the biggest showmen in our country and Sreesanth is a born performer.
Bhatts are known to launch new faces. So, who is going to be the next star?
Richa Chadha, undoubtedly. She has Masaanas well as a film like Cabaret on her resume. To become a superstar, one needs to have looks as well as talent. Richa has got both in right proportion. When I cast Richa inCabaret, people said she has this 'gareeb type look' and was not suitable for the role. I agree people haven't seen her in a glamorous avatar yet, but Richa will stun the industry when the first look of the movie is released.
Your father and you have made some of the most remarkable and socially-relevant movies of our times. Alia, on the other hand, has shown interest in conventional romcoms so far...
People think Alia is dumb. But the fact is that Alia has got depth of character. She is an intelligent young lady and a has been conning everyone by making people think she is an idiot. It is her intelligence and talent, which prompted filmmakers to sign her. She went ahead and did a film like Highway - which talked about incest. This only proves that she is ambitious and careful in choosing her projects.
Any chance of seeing you in front of the cameras again?
From Daddy to Phir Teri Kahani Yaad Aayi, I have done the best of Mahesh Bhatt films. I lost my appetite for acting after dad hung his boots. Though I have worked with other directors and have learnt a lot from Priyadarshan, I don't have that hunger for acting left in me. So maybe when some story inspires that hunger again, I will think about it.
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Tell us about your upcoming projects.
The shooting of Cabaret is on at the moment. After that, I'll be working on Jism 3 and Bad. Jism 3 will again be a socially-relevant movie with a strong storyline. I'm also working in an international project, details of which will be out soon.
Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
Bade Achhe Lagte Hain
Anupamaa
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