New Delhi, Thursday, January 23, 2014
02 entertainment ‘Why should I fudge figures of my own film?’
Actor Alia Bhatt and filmmaker Imtiaz Ali spent a chatty afternoon with fans talking films and music
THEIR WAY IS THE HIGHWAY
Those who are being sceptical about the figures, are not calculating the collections in the Tamil and Telugu versions of Krrish 3
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Rakesh Roshan, filmmaker
ilmmaker Rakesh Roshan (above) has rubbished reports that Krrish 3’s box office collection has been fudged, and says that the criticism shows the kind of jealousy and negativity that this industry thrives on. “Isn't this the way it has always been in the entertainment industry? We suffer from the ‘crab’ and ‘grab’ mentality. We can’t watch anyone succeed. If someone does well we want to grab that success for ourselves,” says Roshan, claiming that the film has grossed R244 crore and is likely to touch the R250 crore mark. Krrish 3 starred his son Hrithik Roshan. “We should all be celebrating the success of a film, no matter who produces it. Because every individual film that succeeds benefits the entire industry,” says Roshan, adding, “Why should I fudge figures at this stage of my career? Do I need to? Who is saying all this?... It just shows the kind of jealousy and neg-
A ativity that this industry thrives on.” Further, clarifying on the collections of his film, the 64-year-old says, “Those who are being sceptical about the figures, are not calculating the collections in the Tamil and Telugu versions of Krrish 3. In Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, both the Hindi and the regional versions of the film were released. But in Mumbai, they are cutting out the box office figures of the dubbed Tamil and Telugu versions of the film.” On being prodded why are members of his fraternity so eager to prove your figures wrong, Roshan says, “The minute I took the unpopular decision of releasing my film in partnership with singlescreen distributors, I knew I was looking for trouble. I haven’t become corporatised yet. I am the only major producer, who still makes films and releases them without tying up with corporate houses. That makes me an easy target.” IANS
ctors Alia Bhatt and filmmaker Imtiaz Ali were at their candid best when they visited the HT House on Tuesday to interact with the winners of the Stars in the City contest and to promote their upcoming film, Highway. In the session moderated by HT City editor Sonal Kalra, the duo gave insightful and witty replies to the questions put forward by the winners.
Q. Why is Randeep Hooda (the lead actor of the film) missing from the promotions? Imtiaz:
People expect me to have had a ‘Oh my God’ moment when I was offered the film, but it was nothing that dramatic. It was quite casual and smooth
It’s a well thought out strategy. He will be part of the promotions post January 26. We are kidding ourselves to think we are marketing geniuses.
Q. What was your reaction when you were offered the film?
Alia Bhatt, actor Contest winner Tarun Dudeja danced with Alia on Patakha Guddi
Alia: People expect me to have had a ‘Oh my God’ moment when I was offered the film, but it was nothing that dramatic. It was quite casual and smooth. One casual evening he (Imtiaz)
was at home chatting with my father, when he handed me this script to read. I wanted to read it immediately, but I had to sit and make conversation. He could sense my impatience, but he understood me. I read the script, really liked it, and the next day, I told him that I would love to be a part of the film.
Q. How did you get AR Rahman to sing the Punjabi number, Maahi Ve, for the film? Imtiaz: It was his own idea. Everything that he sung for Rockstar, I actually had to convince him and cajole him a lot. But when we were discussing the music for this film, it was his own idea to sing the Punjabi number himself. He said that he would love to sing in Punjabi and work very hard on his diction.
When we were discussing the music for this film, it was his (AR Rahman’s) own idea to sing the Punjabi number himself Imtiaz Ali, filmmaker PHOTOS: WASEEM GASHROO
Q. What do you like about Delhi? Alia: I love the food and the weather of this city. Luckily, this time I am here in winters and can experience the chill. I have also heard a lot about the food here. CHETNA DUA
The winners of HT City Stars In The City contest pose with Alia and Imtiaz