Marquee magic
Sharin Bhatti in convo with Sanjay L. Bhansali
Posted online: Wednesday, October 03, 2007 at 12:00:00Updated: Wednesday, October 03, 2007 at 12:12:14
Saawariya is ready for release. At its music launch, how do you feel?
I'm overwhelmed. Now, I'm aware how much people expect from Saawariya. Just a one-minute-30-second trailer has evoked tremendous reactions. I also feel a sense of loss at letting go of the movie. I wish the production had not ended.
How would you describe the mood of Saawariya?
Oh gosh! It's hard to tell what Saawariya epitomises. But if you ask me for a comparison, it'll bring you the magic of Raj Kapoor's Awara, Krzysztof Kieslowski's Blue, Baz Luhrman's Moulin Rouge and Tim Robbins' Batman. I love to bring magic to cinema. It's a fantastical universe. That's why I felt really sad when the production wrapped up. It was like saying goodbye to an era
What hopes do you carry for Ranbir and Sonam?
Expectations scare me. I fear for Ranbir and Sonam because the world will judge them not as actors but as the offspring of Rishi (Kapoor) and Anil (Kapoor). I completely adore them. They are like my babies and I have all the faith that they'll do well.
How do you react to accusations of being a taskmaster at work?
I am a very sensitive filmmaker. And I have a very clear vision about what I want to see on screen. And my actors respect that about me. Of course, there will be scoldings and firings at times. But I don't abuse or hurl things at them.
Ranbir and Sonam have worked with you as assistant directors. How was it to see their transition from assisstants to actors?
That's why I'm getting so emotional. I was handed down this responsibility of making stars out of these star children. I share Anil and Rishi's fears as I feel I've fathered them myself. They are very dedicated workers. They've made me patient and have grown as actors.
This is also India's first foreign produced movie. Were you apprehensive about it?
Not at all. In fact, the producers of Sony Pictures gave me a free creative hand. I couldn't have been more blessed to be able to make this film with their support. They furnished all my demands without pressuring me with budgets and deadlines. There were no delays and no hiccups.
You edited this movie on your own, without your sister Bela. Were you nervous?
I'm terrified of Bela. Whenever I was shooting my earlier films, I had to make sure I had all possible shots in the can for she would fuss over a frame she didn't like. I am a perfectionist because of her. I missed her incredibly while doing post-production of Saawariya. But she guided me all the way.
Jhanak
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