'Thanks Kareena for walking out' - Harman

In just a few days Harman Baweja will be making his debut in the much-hyped futuristic flick Love Story 2050. We caught up with the actor to find out more about what the future has in store for him.

Your family has invested a lot in this film. And now it's finally releasing. But was Love Story 2050 always going to be your launch pad?

Love Story 2050 was conceived by dad in 1999. But everyone told him that a sci-fi flick would be way ahead of its time. Then a few years later when I was ready to start my film we looked into many scripts. But nothing hit us. That's when we went back to this idea. It's got a great love story and it has 2050 in it. So we decided to dig Love Story 2050 out of the backburner.

Are you nervous?

Ya nervous, excited, anxious…everything.

Being a filmmakers' son weren't you inclined towards direction?

I have got my entire life to that yaar. But right now I am more inclined towards acting. Also I think I need much more maturity to handle filmmaking. I would like to work with at least 15-20 different directors and first understand their different working styles. Basically get some experience before I finally take the plunge.

As it has been widely reported, the film was planned with Kareena Kapoor and she even shot for a few days. Was it heartbreaking when she walked out?

Most certainly. It was heartbreaking and put us all on the backfoot. Those were terrible months for the family. You see it's your first film and everyone's excited. You've worked hard and are ready to give it your best shot. And suddenly you realise whatever has been shot is a waste. Secondly you don't know what to do next. So, yes I went into bit of a depression for nine months. But I guess whatever happens, happens for the best. Bebo's exit gave us more time to plan and we could get better technicians on board to make the film look even better. So in a way I thank her for exiting.

NEXT: Issues with Kareena?

You said somewhere that you have no issues with Kareena. So what's your current rapport with her?

Bebo and me are constantly in touch. See at any given time when a person takes a decision it's correct for him. I am sure she weighed the pros and cons as Bebo is a very sensible girl. She knew it was my first film and all that so maybe it was her point of view to dropout. I respect her decision and the fact that she stood by it. And today everything is normal. We are back on talking terms.

And then Priyanka Chopra steps in. At what point did she join the project?

After this happened we obviously needed to think ahead. Priyanka's name was always in dad's mind. But she was too inexperienced then as the role is very complex. There are two distinct characters Ayesha and Sana and dad wanted someone more experienced. By the time Kareena walked out, Priyanka had had a few releases and proved her mettle as an actress. So dad went back to his original choice. Priyanka of course always knew about the script from day one.

And how much did you rework the script to suit her?

The film on the whole went through several changes. A lot of technicians, who couldn't work with us initially due to time constraints, came back on board. Due to the nine-month-break we could go back to our original choices. So now we have the teams behind Speed Racer, Superman and Lord of the Rings working on the film. It was a blessing in disguise as I ended up having 11 Oscar winners signed up for my debut.

Why did you decide to debut opposite an established face?

Dad was very clear that he didn't want a new girl opposite me. He had made it clear to me right at the beginning. As I said it's a very complex character so he felt having another debutant with me would only add to my stress. And today when I see the film I can safely say his instinct was bang on.

NEXT: Imagine Harman doing Kathak

Clearly you have undergone a lot of training for the film and worked hard getting your launch right. Tell us something about your preparation for this role.

My dad's a strong believer that whatever you do you need to start from the roots. I wanted to open a hotel at one point. So he sent me to hotel management school. He said, "Learn how waiters balance the tray, how towels are folded and which glass goes with what wine". And the same thing applies to acting. He said, "Learn cinema first".

So for seven years I was an assistant on the sets making continuity sheets and delivering tapes to news channels. You know I weighed 92 kg that time. Then I spent two years at UCLA film school and did another two years of theatre. Not because I could get a better debut but so that I understand the medium. Dad made me go through the grind but today I thank him. That's pretty much been my training.

The only other thing I trained in was dancing. I learnt kathak. A boy learning Indian classical raises eyebrows but it has helped me lot in what you see today.

Would you call dancing your USP?

See dancing is all that you have seen of me. So there are definitely a lot more facets to my acting. But to say that it is not my strength would be lying. Yet to day that is my only strength is an even bigger lie.

The film is quite unlike the love triangles your father is associated with. Sci-fi is more your generation. Were there a lot of disagreements between your and his vision?

See it's his vision completely. He's done the story and screenplay. You'll be amazed, I may be generation next but I was opposed to having the teddy bear Boo's character in the film. I said it didn't work and he said it works. And today I am embarrassed about my suggestions. With dad, he is very clear about what he wants. I am just like a sidekick. But with dad, mind you anyone can come up with a suggestion, as he is very open that way. He'll pause, give it a thought and then take his call. He feels if anyone has an idea it must be taken seriously, but at the end of the day he is the director.

NEXT: There is a difference between science fiction and science fantasy

The music and the packaging of the film, is still quite conventional and unremarkable for a futuristic movie. Was it a conscious decision to not go completely out of the box in depicting the future?

Not a conscious decision. But tell me, how does the future change? How has the world changed in the last 50 years? Music is still there, people still talk in the same way, Hindi films still have song n dance and will continue to have them for the next 50 years as well. What changes is technology. Human emotions and relationships stay the same.

Dad always said, "I am making a science fiction not a science fantasy". Everything has to backed by research. We already have prototypes for a flying car and the first official license is expected in 2011. Buildings are taller than 100 storeys by 2050 we'll touch 250. Talking robots are a reality in Japan. So we have given a well thought out, planned vision of the future…obviously with a touch of optimism.

What element of the film you think will become a reality in 2050?

I hope everything becomes a reality and we have a beautiful looking Bombay city.

Apart from the voice, body language and dancing there are many other similarities. You are debuting in a film where the pre and post intervals portions have distinct characters (quite like the two Hrithiks in KNPH). And you also have Priyanka Chopra, who a futuristic-time traveled like film - Krrish with Hrithik. Too much co-incidence?

I think the media is just trying to find similarities. The other day one channel showed me riding a bike and then showed a bike scene from a Hrithik film. I was like 'what'? Don't' actors ride bikes? Priyanka has worked with many other co-stars. And to set the record straight Love Story 2050 is the first of its kind in Indian cinema. You can't draw parallels with any other film.

Next: Imran and Hrithik in a boxing match

The Hrithik Roshan comparison. Is it flattering or irritating?

Neither. I think my team is more tired of it than me. It's more about what each newcomer goes through. Shah Rukh went through it with Dilip Kumar, Shahid with Shah Rukh and now Neil with Hrithik. I am sure I will get my own individuality soon. This comparison is being blown out of proportion and will die out soon. Anyways what you are seeing is all God gifted and I won't fight his creation.

And competion from Imran Khan?

Imran and I aren't in any boxing match. Both of us have put in our best effors and are looking forward to see the results. I wish him well and I take the liberty to speak on his behalf, that he too wishes the same for me. Often two films clash and both do well. Sometimes both even flop. Anything can happen on fourth July.

You said your competition was not Imran, but Will Smith…

That was taken totally out of context. What I meant was, as a film in terms of genre, Love Story 2050 had a bigger threat from Hancock.

Aamir is a master at promotion. Are you all set for a media war as the release date nears?

I wouldn't go at war for anything in this world. I am a Gandhian by nature. If it turns ugly I will withdraw.

How do you and Priyanka react to comparisons with Ranbir-Deepika and Saif-Kareena?

I don't react. All the names you took are just actors doing films together. Also I always believe we aren't in a race where there is a need to constantly compare each other's score.

That's professionally. I am talking personally has all this attention affected your relationship?

Not at all. I think any relationship is much above all this. And you have to learn to keep your bond strong if you want to be in this profession.

Next: Love Story 2050 has the ingredients of a potbroiler

How would you rate yourself against Imran?

I can't comment about myself and I haven't seen the other film. So I can't rate the two.

There have been many announcements with your name in the lead. Which are the films that you are actually doing?

Luckily none of the announcements are rumours. I have a cricket-based film Victory, Anees Bazmee's It's My Life, to be produced by Sanjay Kapoor, Ashutosh Gowariker's What's Your Rashi and Sanjay Bhansali's Chenab Gandhi where I get to work with Mr Bachchan.

You apparently replaced Ranbir in Chenab Gandhi. What's your equation with the new bunch of actors?

I honestly don't know Imran. Ranbir, I have known earlier. While Neil and I have had only one conversation, when Johnny Gadaar released. I told him he was outstanding in the film. Also I don't think I have replaced anyone. At least that's what Mr Bhansali has confirmed with me.

And Mimoh? You both are Michael Jackson fans.

I am a huge MJ fan. Mimoh is fantastic. He's a chip of the old block and has only taken his father's skill to the next level.

Your favourite moment from the film?

I like the entire film. But like this one scene where Priyanka and I are just seeing each other in the rain. There are no dialogues but it's just such a beautiful moment.

Finally why should I pay Rs 200 to watch Love Story 2050?

Watch it because it has all the ingredients of a wholesome family entertainer. Songs, action, melodrama, flying cars, bike chases, laser guns, video games, a loud Punjabi mother, a mad scientist Boman Irani, me, Priyanka and us getting transported to the future. So go out there and have lots of fun. Watch it on fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh…Any July, but watch it.

Link:

http://www.buzz18.com/interviews/movies/thanks-kareena-for-w alking-out-harman/65821/0