Coming from a business background and pursuing his filmmaking dream, director-scriptwriter Shashank Khaitan always knew it would be a challenge to get a nod from Dharma Productions for Humpty Sharma Ki Dulahania. But when he did get a call in his sixth attempt, his happiness knew no bounds. The young director tells SANGEETA YADAV that now he wants to do some more exciting projects
Was it a challenge to get the script approved by Dharma ProductionsIJ
Getting a break with Dharma Productions and working under the guidance of Karan Johar is a dream come true. But achieving it was an uphill task. Before Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhaniya (HSKD), I had sent five scripts to the production house which got rejected. My friends used to say that it’s next to impossible to get a break with them but I never stopped sending them my work. People say third time lucky, but in my case it was my sixth time. I was told later that Karan Johar gave his nod within a few weeks of reading the script.
Is HSKD a tribute to Dilwale Dulhaniya le Jayenge (DDlJ)IJ
Watching Dilwale Dulhaniya le Jayenge and Casablanca inspired me. What’s common in these two movies is eternal love. The challenge, for me was to create a love story set in modern times. I think I have managed to do that with HSKD. So, it is not just a tribute to DDlJ. The film is much more than that.
How did you zero in on the starcastIJ
Everyone wants a hit pair for their film. I selected Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt not became they became Bollywood’s favourite jodi after Student Of The Year but because the script required young and happening actors. They fit the bill perfectly.
How was it to work with KJoIJ
It has been a great learning experience. Karan gives lot of room to experiment and doesn’t compromise on quality. I made him listen to Kudi Saturday Saturday and told him that I wanted this track in the film. Within two weeks, he had bought the rights. As a senior director and producer, he backs his team and takes care of all the requirements. For him, nothing is bigger than the film he is making.
What’s your experience working with Varun and AliaIJ
Both are professional actors. They used to do a lot of rehearsals before the final take and we had 40 reading sessions. The three of us come from a different school of thought. Varun’s father David Dhawan is known for his masala style of filmmaking and Alia father Mahesh Bhatt is known for making movies way ahead of time. I come from a non-filmy background and have done an in-depth study in filmmaking at Whistling Woods International Film School. We made an interesting combination and had a great time on the sets.
What’s your filmmaking styleIJ
I’m new to the industry and have a lot to learn. To say that I’ve a style, is too soon. I’m still discovering myself. But, I believe that every story requires a different style of direction and treatment. As far as HSKD is concerned, the story required characters which the audience could relate to.
Who do you look up to in BollywoodIJ
Nasseruddin Shah is the best mentor I have had. An institution in himself, Naseer sir used to teach us in Whistling Woods. Apart from him, Raju Hirani’s style of filmmaking is perfect. Karan Johar is an amazing director. Farhan Akthar is an all-rounder. He changed the film industry with Dil Chahta Hai.