Posted:
India chamkegi?
< content=11/24/2007 name=date>
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| Manoj Kumar |
Talking about his single-minded focus on nationalism and patriotism, he says, "Our attitude and problems keep changing with time. But brotherhood and national integrity are subjects that are not specific to any age or time and need to be explored in cinema."
His films include a yet-untitled Indo-Pak love saga, With Love from India, Naukrani - The Indian Maid and India in America. He tells us, "The titles are self-explanatory and I'm not in a position to reveal the plotline as yet."
He confesses that the most challenging task is the casting. He says, "The format of filmmaking has changed. Producers and filmmakers are running after stars these days. But I believe in casting artistes rather than stars. Also, there are just too many camps in the industry today, which act as a deterrent to perfect casting."
However, he continues to be partial to Kareena Kapoor. "I want to cast Kareena as the leading lady in Naukrani - The Indian Maid. She has elements of Raj Kapoor and Geeta Bali and that is what I like about her."
The Om Shanti Om controversy couldn't have had a better timing considering that the actor is gearing up to start the second innings of his career. The actor, who is understandably hurt by the pot shots taken at him, explains, "I believe in meaningful cinema that is not below the belt for all purposes. My niece, who is based in London, was the first to inform me about the embarrassing portions in OSO. But I didn't make any hue and cry about it till I saw the film myself. Let me tell you I haven't called a press conference in the 50 years of my career and this time also the media came knocking at my door to know what I feel about the matter. All I can say is that one should respect senior artistes as much as his/her own parents."
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