'I didn't want to typecast Akshay-Katrina: Vipul!

He has directed some of the biggest hits in recent times, produced some blockbusters and have given Bollywood the hit pair of Akshay Kumar-Katrina Kaif. His next film London Dreams is ready for release and Shah is excited about it. He spoke to Ritesh Sharma on his films and more.

You must be really excited that London Dreams is nearing its release.

(Sighs) Yes of course. It's after almost two years that my first directorial project is being released. It's quite sometime that Namastey London released. Though in between this two films Singh Is Kinng released but I was only the producer of this film. I am really busy. London Dreams is a big project and my hopes are pinned on it.

Are you saying that because recently you had to run around a lot after the Bengali film Paran Jaaye Joliye Re turned out to be a copy of your Namastey London?

(Pauses). Well that was something and I really had to run a lot. Thank god that the matter is settled now.

Are you happy with the court's verdict?

Of course, I am absolutely happy and now the matter has been solved so I don't see any point in discussing it further. The decision will now set an example to many and will be an eye opener. Overall, I am happy with the decision of the court.

Okay…so London Dreams is one of the biggest releases this year. Nervous?

I am rather excited with the way the film has turned out to be. Salman (Khan) and Ajay (Devgan) are fabulous and majestic. The music is grand. Asin look superb. Now, I hope the audience likes it. I am pretty optimistic person and I am sure people are going to like it.

But why didn't you cast Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif. They have given you two back-to-back hits?

(Smiles) That is something I know many will ask and I am really not surprised. It is true that I could have easily cast Akshay and Katrina. But first I would like to say about Akshay… he could have easily played either Salman or Ajay's role and I am sure he would have done that quite well. But in London Dreams, both the heroes are Punjabi guys and Akshay has already played a Punjabi in Namastey London and Singh Is Kinng. Katrina on the other hand had played a young, bubbly girl born and brought up in London and here Asin plays a girl who is born and brought up in London…so it would have been like typecasting them. In fact we all had a discussion on this and both Akshay and Katrina agreed. So it was like a mutual decision.

Was that the reason you cast him again in your next film Action Replay?

See we share a great rapport… Akshay and Katrina are almost like family. But here again I thought Akshay would be good for the role. Aishwarya Rai on the other hand was perfect for the female lead.

So is London Dreams a triangular love story?

(Pauses) You can say so but not exactly. It's about a band where these three are members. It's a story of two friends, their musical journey, how they struggle, live their dreams and then fall in love with the same girl.

And how important is the music given that in your earlier films, music has played an integral role?

I would rather say that the music is the 'third hero' of my film. It has been made on a grand scale…and if not in the last decade, it's one of the best scores in a long time. You can't doubt the credibility of Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. They are one of the best in the trade today and have a track record of delivering hits with almost every film.

Your wife, Shefali Shah, is one of the most talented actors but you have never cast her in you film after Waqt — The Race Against Time?

Well, we are both very professional. We don't mix professional and personal lives… like I know when to approach her and she too knows, which role she will fit into. She knows that if there is a good role I will surely consider her and vice-versa.

So what was your reaction after she won the National Award for the Best Supporting Actress in Gandhi My Father?

(Smiles). See, it not because she is my wife that I am saying but she is really a gifted actress. And she has made me proud. In fact, as you wanted to know, she is the heroine of my next film.

Which one?

I think it's high time Shefali gets her dues and this was an ideal script. The film is titled Kuch Love Jaisa opposite Rahul Bose. It's a very sweet and matured love story. The film releases before Action Replay. I am, however, not directing it but only the producer. It will be directed by a very talented lady, Barnali Shukla.

--IBNS