Soumik Sen
Scriptwriter Sen turns director with Gulaab Gang a film which marks the comeback of Madhuri Dixit and brings out the evil side of Juhi Chawla. The director-cum-singer-cum composer of this film tells Sangeeta Yadav that his directorial debut is not based on Sampat Pal’s life and times. ‘It is a fictional film with fictional situations’, Sen asserts. Excerpts:
‘GG is not based on any real character’
Were you nervous about your debut film Gulaab GangIJ
The entire team has put in a lot of hard work into the making of Gulaab Gang. It was an honour to work with Madhuri and Juhi who are considered icons in the industry. When Madhuri is on the sets, she is a thorough professional. Her song Rangi Sari Gulaabi Chunariya, which is already quite a rage was not made overnight. She rehearsed the song for a month before going ahead with the final recording. She also had to undergo a 30-day training camp with Shifu Kanishka Sharma and Madhuri did it very sportingly.
It was slightly more difficult for Juhi Chawla who is playing a negative character for the first time. At first, she was slightly apprehensive but she stuck to the script and followed her instinct. Both these veterans can make any character come alive on screen. For me, GG is going to be the biggest grosser of 2014.
With this film you have donned many hats. How difficult was it for you to manage so many thingsIJ
Very few people know that I’m a trained musician. Neha Saraf and I have composed many songs. I have conceptualised the lyrics for this film and because I had the time I decided to compose as well. It was not very difficult to handle because we had ample time. Only after wrapping up the script we ventured into other areas. In the last stage, the film was directed and sent for post-production. Everything fell into place without difficulty.
Your biggest challenge in making such a heroine-oriented action film…
Working on all-woman action drama with no male lead was a huge challenge. It was a dream come true for me to direct my first film with the two biggest stars in Bollywood. I have always looked up to them for inspiration. And they have done exceedingly well. I am riding on their popularity to make this film a cult one.
lead us through the making of GGIJ
There is a charm in shooting with veterans. They know their work so well that the director’s role becomes redundant. The day when Saroj Khan and Madhuri were practising steps for a song was the most memorable one for me. It took me back to their heyday. They share brilliant chemistry. It is a learning experience to see them work together. We were shooting in Wai, Maharashtra, and the weather was quite chilly, but that wouldn’t deter Saroj and Madhuri’s practice sessions. Although Saroj can be quiet a hard taskmaster, Madhuri was not complaining. I have never seen her lose her cool while acting. She was completely focussed.
What works according to you — a popular starcast or a good scriptIJ
For me, if the script is good, it will finds its own audience. We have seen many examples where films with big names bombed at the box office due to a thin story line. The script has to be good and more importantly should be performed well by the actors on the big screens.
Is it based on Sampat Pal’s lifeIJ
Next question please.
But Sampat has asked for credit....
Gulaab Gang is a completely fictional film. We have Maharashtrian women who can dance the lavani and fight with weapons bought from the North East!