Dharm was planning a sequel to Sholay...

What do you think about Ram Gopal Verma's decision to remake Sholay?

Sholay cannot be remade. I have no qualms about people who are doing so. It is their wish and if they feel they want to make their own version they can go ahead. I am also planning a sequel to Sholay with Bobby and Abhishek in the lead. I have already planned a script and hope to do it in future.

You are planning to revive your banner Vijayta Productions. Any plans to venture into direction now?

I am creative. I love writing poetry and stories. I will definitely direct some day but unfortunately I cannot understand these camera lenses. I know how to act, but I just can't understand technology. Sunny has directed one film Dillagi, but his screenplay was very weak, hence the film didn't do well. I never wanted to become a producer but I started my banner to launch Sunny with Betaab and later we launched Bobby with Barsaat. Sunny wanted to surprise me so he re-started the banner again but we Jats are not business minded. Fortunately God has blessed us with a soft face, a good physique and a good soul.

You are writing a book on Shayaris, any plans to pen an autobiography?

Yes I do have plans but I have not started it yet. Dev Anand is coming out with his own autobiography, Amitabh has one and I am planning on writing one in the near future.

Apne brings you together with your sons for the first time. How was it working with the two of them?

It was an amazing experience working with them. I have always dreamt of working with them. I had seen Prithviraj Kapoor and Raj Kapoor working together in Awara and since then I have cherished the idea of working with my sons. When Apne's director and writer (Anil Sharma) narrated the script, we unanimously agreed to do the film. The film deals with the fathers emotions. Parents often do a lot for their children but what can the children do for their parents? That is what this film is about. It's a true to life script. I like working with Anil Sharma since he is not egotistical. Ego is a contagious disease; it is a curse to love. What can be achieved with love and humbleness cannot be done with ego. I like working with such people.

How was it going back to your hometown after such a long time to shoot this film?

I got very emotional. I couldn't get out of the car for a few minutes. I just picked up the soil of the land and smelt it and that gave me strength. I went through the lanes of my childhood. There were many changes there but there were a few trees that have stood through the times. I went and hugged them. I tried to search for my footsteps in those lanes where I had dreamt of becoming a hero in Bollywood. I was very happy to go back there as a hero. I sat on my school ground reminiscing about the days I played football and volleyball.

First Metro and now Apne, are you making a comeback?

Certainly, provided the subject is as interesting as Metro. It was a bit role but had a lot of volume. I enjoyed doing the film. I would love to do films with such strong subjects. I am tired of action films. I want to do different subjects now.

You were given the life time achievement award at the IIFA. Do you feel awards have come to you a little late in life?

My fans have always called me up and written to me whether I did or did not win any awards. They still love me a lot and that itself is an award for me. Awards don't make any difference to me now, nor do I hold any grudge that I was not given many awards.

What changes do you find in cinema today?

Everything has changed, especially technology. But technology cannot improve the power of emotion. Morals have changed. We had so much love and respect for our elders. We were naughty as kids but we stayed well within our limits. There was no discrimination between religions. So many things have changed over the years.

Has your family maintained the same morals?

Yes our roots are so strong that it is not easy to eliminate them. They have not forgotten their roots. My children love and respect me. Bobby is a little naughty at times and a flirt but Sunny is an introvert. He is so much like Amitabh Bachchan painfully introvert at times. We Indians are very sentimental people. We think from our hearts and are full of love. These sentiments have kept me and my family together.

Sunny says you are his Godfather

The Godfather word has been coined by the younger generation. When I came into this industry I had no Godfather but God was with me. I made it on my own. God helps those who help themselves. You are your own strength. When youngsters say that they have no Godfather I find it strange. This word is not used in any other field then why here?

Your daughters have now ventured into films, what is your opinion on that?

I am very glad for them. Esha performs well and now Ahaana wants to direct. In fact they called me up to wish me on Father's day and I met them. I love them and so do they.

Do you consider them as your friends now? How close are you to your sons today?

Ninety nine per cent of children in our culture are more attached to their mothers. Boys are loved by their fathers but there is always a distance when it comes to their relationships. They will always run and hug their mother first. I was scared of my father when I was young. But yes I miss them when they are busy and away at work. I realize how much I miss my father too. I wish I had given him more time. Now I feel I should have spent more time with my kids. But a father-son relationship is always like this. You feel sad when you can't give them time and now that I have more time on my hands and they are busy. I know they love me but yes I do miss them.

Tuesday, June 19, 2007