PRERNA ARORA talks to SHAlINI SAKSENA about how her production house came to associate with Toilet — Ek Prem Katha, and her tie-ups with John Abraham & Anushka
Tell us about Toilet — Ek Prem KathaIJ
It is an entertaining film that takes-off from the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. Through this film, we want to reach out to every citizen of the country so it is like a social cause.
Was it difficult to get the script correct and not get preachyIJ
That is where we all came together and decided it was important to ensure that the entertainment quotient of the film was not hit. Akshay Kumar was very particular about this issue and he there in the film because he chooses his projects carefully.
Do you have a special fondness for AkshayIJ
The honour is all mine. I am fortunate that I have had the opportunity to work with him. He is one of the top actors in the industry today — one of the greatest — extremely professional and disciplined. My production house has partnered with his. I want to thank him for partnering with KriArj Entertainment.
How did Rustom happenIJ
Akshay is particular about the kind of movies he does. It was his idea and he who got the script. Creatively, it was his company which executed everything around the movie, getting including Neeraj Pandey as director. We collaborated with them. For my production house, it was all about choosing the right kind of film.
What about tie-up with Anushka SharmaIJ
Anushka and her brother are into making different kind of cinema. We have a long-term association with them — five films. Three will happen this year. They are very clear on what kind of movies they want to make — they want to stand out with their content. They choose to do something that is daring. For example in Phillauri, Anushka as a producer and actor she has done something that is different. We are like-minded. The same with Akshay.
It is true for John Abraham tooIJ
Yes. Again with him, he chooses certain genres like Madras Cafe and Vicky Donor. He is not doing too many movies and does what suits him. He is also involved in creatives.
You are doing a lot of things at one time. Are you in a hurryIJ
Not at all. It is all about timing. It is not about hurry. One has to do the homework and be well-prepared. Everyone has his style of working; the same for me. I always wanted my production house to be one of the best. For this I am working very hard. I am getting a lot of opportunities that I am not letting go. May be I will not get this opportunity tomorrow. So I am taking up whatever is coming my way with the right people.
How did your love for Christian Dior happenIJ
I love everything about him; I idolise him — his business sense; his vision. The brand that he created is inspiring. I just feel that the brand and me have a connect and love to endorse it wherever I go, even in India.
Should fashion be individualisticIJ
It should. Whatever becomes a trend abroad, India follows, like the selfie mania. People should follow what suits them. But then, fashion is all about what makes one comfortable and if people think they should follow a trend, they are most welcome to it. But I will not do it.
What nextIJ
There are some big projects. Announcements will follow.