ADHM is nothing like KANK or Doosra Aadmi: Karan Johar

Film-maker Karan Johar says it was critical to cast someone like the Pakistani actor in his upcoming movie; adds that he is "very happy" that the actor agreed to do the role

Of course, Ranbir, Aishwarya and Anushka have played their parts beautifully, but it was critical to get the right person for the role Fawad has played. KARAN JOHAR, FILM-MAKER

Karan Johar is back in the director's chair after four years (he last helmed Student of the Year; 2012). And as the much-awaited teaser of his next, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (ADHM), releases today (August 30), the film-maker gets talking about the conjectures associated with his multi-starrer, Fawad Khan, and the story behind the film's title.

You are back to direction after four years. Are you nervous

or excited?

I am always nervous (smiles). This is my sixth directorial venture. I have directed a film after four years, and that (Student of the Year) was a completely different movie. Of course, this one is updated in a certain sense. But it is like going back to the school of love and passion in cinema, which I experienced in the past with films such as Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998) and Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003).

There have been several conjectures about the film's story...

ADHM is nothing like Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006). There were speculations that it might be similar to Doosra Aadmi (1977), or that it is about an extra-marital affair. But there is no such thing. It is a story about love. They say love can make you or destroy you, but this film is about how love can complete you. We rarely make powerful love stories nowadays. So, it is not a romcom or about infidelity; it is just a love story.

Besides Ranbir Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Anushka Sharma, ADHM also stars Fawad Khan...

Yes, several rumours are floating around regarding who is playing what part in the film. But let me clarify that the movie is based on inter-relationships between people. It isn't just a love story, but a story about love, and the emotions that come with it. Of course, Ranbir, Anushka and Aishwarya, and their inter-relationships, have a lot to do with the theme. Fawad, too, plays an extremely important part; he has a special appearance. But his role and the conflict that he brings to the table are very critical to the story. So, we needed to do the right casting. I am grateful that Fawad agreed to come on board. It is a special appearance, for which he shot with us for a week.

Are you happy with the way Fawad's part has turned out?

I am very happy that we got him on board. Of course, Ranbir, Aishwarya and Anushka have played their parts beautifully, but it was critical to get the right person for the role Fawad has played. When people will watch the film, they will realise that we needed his kind of personality for the part. His part is important in terms of the narrative of the film. I needed an actor who brings in dignity and a certain emotional stature. He was my only choice. Though it is a small part in a larger emotional graph, it is still a very critical role.