Naseer on his directorial debut

On his dream

I wanted to become a director. In fact, I was chasing this dream for the last 10 years. And when it finally happened, I had to pinch myself to believe it was true.

Earlier, I had two other stories — a ghost story and a wrestler story. I wasn't sure I could pull off the ghost story, because it required too many special effects. I couldn't get the wrestler story going because it required a big budget. In fact, Shabbir Boxwalla (who has produced Yun Hota To Kya Hota and has now tied up with Suniel Shetty's Popcorn to make other projects) wanted to go ahead with it, but I chickened out.

On the roles

Jimmy plays a computer engineer. Konkona plays Jimmy's wife who has problems with her in-laws. Ankur Khanna plays a medical student. Ayesha is a girl who helps Ankur go to the US. Ratna plays a junior artiste who is an extra in movies and has a past with Paresh.

On directing wife, Ratna

It wasn't the first time that I was directing Ratna. She was great, as usual. At the end of it all, she said, 'Wow, it got over so fast'. I was not harsh with her at any point; she delivered exactly what I wanted. In my early days, when I directed on stage, I used to be harsh. Over the years, I have learnt that it does not pay to be harsh. Stars take offence, and newcomers who are insecure get frightened.

Both ways, the output is affected adversely. It was my own anxiety — I wasn't sure of what I wanted — that made me harsh. But yes, a director has to be obstinate at times because actors are the laziest creatures on earth.

On his temper

I have changed. Losing my temper had become an addiction with me. Mahesh Bhatt once told me something very perceptive, 'You are addicted to anger, you enjoy it, that's why you lose your temper so much'. That set me thinking. I realised he was right. My hot-tempered nature was causing me only harm.

On his son

Imaaduddin is playing an incidental part. I cast him because he was at a loose end those days. He had finished school and wasn't doing much. And I wanted somebody whom I could call anytime I needed him.

On acting

I have been refusing films. I am not getting anything interesting. To date, I am doing only Krrish and Omkara. In Omkara, I play the duke in Othello — a politician who operates from a prison. Also, I am bored of acting. I think acting is the most boring profession on earth. Unfortunately, it's the highest paid profession too.

On directing in the future

I would love to direct more, but a lot would depend on YHTKH. Directing takes quite a bit. It's a huge responsibility, and you need someone as a producer who trusts you to the hilt. Presently, I am putting a play together, which should see the light of day by the end of this year.

On his favourites

I like Saif; he is very funny. I like Ajay Devgan, because he really extends himself. I loved him in Company, Apaharan and Gangajal.

On films he enjoyed

In recent times, I only enjoyed Rang De Basanti.

vickey.lalwani@mid-day.com