As a judge of Ticket to Bollywood on NDTV Prime, commercial director Kunal Kohli feels he is doing what he does best — sift talent and groom youngsters to become stars. This year is packed with action, he tells Deebashree Mohanty
Director Kunal Kohli has a lot on his plate this year but the Hum Tum man is not complaining. “If there was no work, that would mean I am a goner. So, I am glad that I have things to do,” the dashing Kohli says. As a judge in Ticket to Bollywood, a reality show on NDTV Prime, Kohli has the daunting task of sifting good acting talent that will feature in a movie produced by the channel as a jackpot prize.
“It is a tough ask but not impossible. There are a few who are really good. What they need is channeling and you will have a few great actors right here. It is a good platform and we are hoping most of them will make full use of it,” he tells you, not willing to share any name as yet. But he does tell you that his man and/or woman has to be ‘complete’ in every way. “We are looking at a complete package. My best bet will be on one who can act, emote and dance well. A beautiful face is a huge bonus but that is not the sole criterion. There are many in the industry who are not great lookers but have immense acting talent,” he points out.
Being a man of change, Kohli feels there is ample scope for improvisation on the small screen today. “Aren’t we all tired of the same old routine dance reality showsIJ Why can’t we have something differentIJ There is a lot of talent in the country, we just need to track them down. It is time small screen improvises its format. We have seen Mothers dance, children perform, celebrities groove, lets do something else. That’s why Ticket to Bollywood is doing well in this space. It offers something new,” Kohli says.
A busy man, he gets just about enough time to update his Twitter account on a daily basis. “I am a socially active person and like to connect with friends and fans alike. But too much of activity on the Internet also tends to get boring at times,” he confides, adding that the tech enthusiast in him drives him to the latest smartphone or tablet but he goes for something that is durable yet stylish.
Ask him if he would ever want to star in a film and Kohli shys away. “I think I am doing fine as a producer and filmmaker. I don’t get any adrenaline rush when I face the camera. I know there are a lot of young directors who have acted in cameo roles but I am happy with the little exposure I get thanks to the reality shows and other events on TV. That is enough for me. For the time being at least,” he says. But Kohli has always had a fetish to perform. Be it in debates in school or social functions, when it comes to participation, the filmmaker doesn’t hide. “I have always been an extrovert and will stay that way. I like mingling and making new friends. So, when I read rubbish about me that I am an egoist who keeps away from mundane things, it hurts. I have a great rapport with all of my starcast and some crew members as well. I don’t seek the media unnecessarily but when it is needed, I go all out,” he says.
Apart from judging the reality show, Kohli is busy with his latest production called Vartak Nagar featuring Jimmy Shergill and Raghu Ram in title roles and his upcoming British film with a complete English starcast. He will also be directing a film that will go to the floor by the end of this year. “Vartak Nagar is about two boys and their struggles. It is about how one of them loses his innocence in his childhood. Both Jimmy and Raghu have done an outstanding job in the film,” he says.
As for the trend of Indian producers making a movie for an international audience, he says the trend is more than welcome. “If the Hollywood guys can produce a Hindi film, why can’t we do the sameIJ We may not have an edge over them when it comes to producing big budget international films but we do have the right acumen. That is all that matters. Uday Chopra has taken a big leap towards producing such a big name and I am sure there will be more to follow,” he leaves you on a positive note.