'Salman is My Younger Brother'
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Chatur Singh Two Star is said to be inspired by Pink Panther. Is that true?
Not at all. It is a film adapted from a book titled Chalaak Jasoos, written by a Meerut-based writer, Razasaab. People are saying that the overcoat is similar to Peter Sellers', but that is how most detectives dress up.
How chatur are you in real life?
I am not chatur at all. If I was, I wouldn't have faced so much trouble.
After the Munnabhai series, do you see Chatur Singh becoming a franchise?
I really hope so. It is a very clever film. We would burst out laughing while doing the scenes. I hope that, like Munnabhai, we will have Chatur Singh Two Star, Three Star, Four Star and so on.
There are rumours that Aamir Khan and Sharman Joshi may be playing the roles of Munna and Circuit respectively in the third film from the franchise?
Really? As far as I know Arshad and me are doing the third film. If there has been any new development, then it is news to me.
There have been rumours about your fallout with Salman Khan. What triggered this?
There was no fallout or fight. Salman had come over to my house for a party. During the course of the party, we started chatting and then we went down to the garage where we were standing and talking by ourselves. Somebody spotted us and assumed that we were having a fight. But all is well between us. Salman is my younger brother.
Are you definitely co-hosting Bigg Boss with Salman then?
Of course. We start shooting in September. I am a little nervous about it, but with Salman around, it should be fun.
There have also been reports about your budding friendship with Shah Rukh Khan.
I'm not in any Bollywood camp. I respect and love those who feel the same for me. Shah Rukh is a great guy and I enjoy talking to him. I have always believed that the film industry is one big happy family and I continue to view it in the same manner.
As a production house, you seem to be inclined towards making comedies — Rascals and Satte Pe Satta. Is it your favourite genre?
It's not a favourite genre, comedies are more universal, Kids and adults enjoy it alike. I am also producing an action film where I will make a comeback as an action hero.
How was the experience of essaying the role of Kancha Cheena in the Agneepath remake?
It was a very difficult schedule. We were shooting in Diu where the temperature was around 48 degree Celsius. For my bald look in the film, I first started using prosthetics, but, before I could give the shot, it used to melt away due to heat. So, I decided to go bald. It was also very challenging as an actor, and I hadn't played a negative character in a long time.
What about the lead heroine of Satte Pe Satta, has she been finalised?
Karisma Kapur is definitely doing the role. We are trying Prakash Raj for the villain. The rest of the cast is all new. We start to shoot in January.
For sometime now, you have been criticised for having gained weight.
I was asked to put on weight for Chatur Singh. After the shoot was done, it was very difficult for me to lose it all. Then I realised that I should become fit for the people who pay to watch my film. I started working out and eating healthy. My waist has now reduced to 31 inches from 35 inches.
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