| If Big B's verdict is anything to go by, then Karan Johar needn't pay any attention to the butterflies in his stomach.
For immediately after the first screening of Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna on July 30, the anxious Johar received an unexpected surprise — a bouquet and a letter of praise from Amitabh Bachchan. The letter now occupies a pride of place in Karan's office.
Master maker
Says Mr Bachchan, "After seeing the film, I sent a bouquet and a letter to Karan. And not just to him, but also to Shah Rukh and Abhishek. Why not? Their work is exemplary. I think KANK is Karan's finest work.
A difficult and very mature subject — certainly so for Indian audiences — handled with the dexterity of a master.
Proving once and for all, that behind Karan's trendy designer clothes and stubble, there lurks a balanced, sensitive and extremely intelligent maker. One that has not compromised with any aspect of commercial Indian escapist cinema and yet succeeded in leaving something to think about as you drive home from the theatre."
Stamp of approval
Phew! Didn't we say KJo needn't worry? Says the overwhelmed director, "I was very moved by Amit uncle's gesture. I've always treasured his praise. When Amit uncle says something complimentary, you know you're being complimented by one of the highest authorities on Indian cinema.
Shah Rukh, who in a way launched me, and Aditya Chopra, who taught me filmmaking, have a high opinion of KANK. I was an assistant to Adi and his opinion matters a lot. I remain his assistant at heart. For me, he's like an ISI stamp."
Crossing the hurdle
Karan is certainly enthused by the response he got from his cast and crew that evening. "The feedback was very encouraging. Of course, since it was a 'cast and crew' screening, everyone wanted to love the film. It was a minor hurdle, and I think I crossed it."
Then Karan gets anxiety pangs again. "Not that the private screening means anything in the larger interest. And yes, like all directors, I'd say I can change a few things in KANK, but I can't. Anyway, it's done now. The verdict will be out on August 11. I was fascinated by the subject; my writer Shibani Bathija's narrative work is exceptional." |
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