Himesh is the Laxmikant-Pyarelal of today

Himesh is the Laxmikant-Pyarelal of today: Subhash Ghai

Subhash Ghai has recently sold the rights for his 'Karz' to T-Series. But wasn't 'Karz' inspired by 'The Reincarnation Of Peter Proud'?

"Yes," Ghai admits. "But only in one scene where Peter meets his mother. The rest of the story and script was written afresh as per Indian myths and beliefs. You have to see 'Reincarnation Of Peter Proud' to see how different it was from 'Karz'."

Ask him if Himesh Reshammiya would do as much justice to the main lead as Rishi Kapoor and SG replies, "I'm no authority to judge the future work of any talent. Himesh may even prove better, who knows? I know Laxmikant-Pyarelal did a fabulous job in my 'Karz'. But I'm sure Himesh will do a good job. Himesh is today's Laxmikant Pyarelal ...time brings new people too."

Subhash Ghai is working with Gulzar Saab for the first time in his new directorial venture 'Main Yuvraj'. Why the change from Javed Akhtar Saab? Smiles Ghai, "It's the script that tells a director to choose the right talent and technicians to justify the mood of the film ... its nothing personal .You've to wait and watch what we do together. But it has to be unique. Every film of mine has its own rhythm and pattern. 'Khalnayak' came after 'Saudagar', 'Pardes' came after 'Khalnayak', 'Taal' came after 'Pardes'; so every film is a new child with a different face for a director and he enters into a new avenue, risk and challenges. That's the thrill of a good director being on the scene."

But before 'Main Yuvraj' featuring Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif and Anil Kapoor, Subhash Ghai has a smaller directorial venture 'Black & White' ready for release.

Ghai defends the 'smallness' of the venture. "Mukta has given 'Iqbal' and 'Joggers Park' too. They were smaller more intimate films. Yes, 'Black & White' is being made under the Mukta Searchlight banner with minimum budget. It's an issue-based subject with a different approach. Whereas 'Main Yuvraaj' is a full- on entertainer to release in 2008. Let's see what Subhash Ghai brings to you. May be a surprise if not a shock. He is working hard as usual with a smile," Ghai ends in the third person in true royal showman fashion.