What took you so long to come up with the sequel of Aashiqui?
It took us long because we changed our filmmaking pattern in 2001 and started making erotic thrillers like Raaz, Murder, Jism, Jannat and Gangster since we didn’t want to lean on star-system. Even Hollywood has done that. We have now established our brand that makes films on our capabilities and not stars.
But over the last 10 years, everywhere I am asked why I make the same kind of films and not movies like Aashiqui, Sir, Zakhm and Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin. So gradually, we decided to revive that kind of cinema.
What made you rope in Mohit Suri for direction?
After making a violent and sex-based film Murder 2, Mohit wanted to do something new. And when we came across the story of Aashiqui 2, we decided to make a product that will get an ‘U’ or maximum an ‘U/A’ certificate from the Censor Board and bring a larger audience because India is still a conservative country.
What new can we expect from Aashiqui 2?
The best thing about Aashiqui 2 is its story and I can assure you that this story is 100 times better than the original movie Aashiqui.
The stone that has actually struck our heads is music. Aashiqui was a musical superhit. It’s difficult to beat all-time blockbuster that people still remember. It’s impossible to kill the music which becomes nostalgia. But then, the 21st century generation has not heard about Aashiqui. So Mohit is eyeing that audience.
He is trying to bring together the best of both the worlds-the reputation of the first film and something new. Mohit and Mukesh (Bhatt, co-producer) have much knowledge about music. Remember, Mohit introduced Atif Aslam (for song Aadat in Kalyug) to us and brought a new temperament to our group (Vishesh Films).
So I am sure whatever he does for Aashiqui 2 music will be well-chalked out and even if he doesn’t do well, he will have to face me (laughs).
Don’t you think it is risky to cast not-so-established actors like Shraddha Kapoor and Aditya Roy Kapoor in the lead?
I am sure both of them will leave an impression with this film. When John Abraham came to us for Jism, he was already rejected from a film. Amitabh Bachchan saab was almost sent back home during early days of his career. There are so many such tales in Bollywood.
You said you will cast fresh faces in the film and even started Aashiqui 2 Star Hunt for that. Was that a gimmick?
Our intentions were good and pure. But somewhere things went wrong. Many poor people borrowed money and put their (audition) videos online. I apologize to them from the bottom of my heart.
We used the YouTube platform to announce that we are looking for a new lead pair. But the kind of videos that were posted, if you see them, you too will say that they can’t be professionals but were amateurs.
And those who were talented, felt it was insulting to post their auditions online like this. After two-and-a-half months Mohit came and say Bhattsaab you have done things hurriedly. But the move was good.
Somewhere our product has been damaged too. And when people come and question our credibility it feels bad. Trust me, no one in this industry has given breaks to so many new faces like we did. We have picked up people from the streets and gave them work.
We are not that sorts who promise to give break to new talents and then get actors via back-door. Today’s tragedy is, all youths have the dream to become stars but don’t have the talent… 99.99% people who come to our doors don’t have talent but only the thirst for star power.
Being the director of Aashiqui, what suggestions did you give Mohit for the sequel?
I told him the product must not even have my shadow and that he should bring his originality. You can make your mark in this industry only when you stand on your talent. Aashiqui 2 is a totally different film and I have not interfered in the making.
But don’t you think the sequel should carry a flavor of the first film?
No. I feel it’s better not to have anything from the old film in the new one. Aashiqui 2 must come out of the shadow of Aashiqui and create its own record.
What do you feel about today’s directors?
Today’s directors are way ahead of us. I knew that long back and hence bid adieu to direction in 1998.
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