Jaldi five with Rakesh Roshan
Is it true that you had approached Sonam Kapoor for the lead opposite Hrithik Roshan in your forthcoming production Kites?
A: No, it is not true that we approached Sonam for the role. All the rumours that she turned it down are rubbish. I wanted a girl who speaks Spanish, so there was no question of even asking any Indian heroine.
There were also reports that you approached Penelope Cruz?
A: Again a creation of someone's mind. I wasn't even thinking of Cruz. All I know was that I was in Los Angeles and someone back home wrote that I was signing her on. It's ridiculous.
So what made you zero in on Brazilian model Barbara Mori?
A: We were on the lookout for a good actress for the last six months. The director of the film Anurag Basu and I even approached agencies in Latin America and the US. We watched countless films. It was Hrithik's manager in LA who noticed Barbara and recommended her name. We thought she would be perfect for the role.
Weren't you supposed to direct Kites yourself?
A: Yes, I was, but I decided to give it to Anurag Basu because I loved his work in Gangster. I feel I am above all those petty feelings where you feel possessive about your story and film. Finally it will be my production and my film. Who directs it doesn't matter.
So when will you direct again?
A: I am scripting a sequel to Krissh. But I wanted to give a break between my last direction and the next film. I want the urge to direct again to rise up in me, only then will I do it. I am in no hurry.
Shiv Shakti
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