Madhuri Dixit's biggest gamble ever

Cinematographer-turned director Anil Mehta talks about his first film

She danced her way into our hearts with the ek do teen...number. Two decades later, this lady is still dancing her way back into our lives via cinematographer-turned filmmaker Anil Mehta's directorial debut Aaja Nachle. No wonder, the director is all praise for the actress.

Was Madhuri one of the reasons which enticed you to wield the megaphone?

Not really...(laughs). Getting into direction was never on my agenda. It was Adi (Aditya Chiopra) who suggested I should try my hands at direction while we were shooting for Veer-Zaara. I thought it was just a passing phase and Adi would forget. But he insisted and kept harping on the subject whenever we met. He used to ask what kind of subjects I would like to handle etc etc. It was then I realised Adi was serious.

How was the transition from being a cinematographer to a filmmaker?

It was a rather difficult job for me. I know even as a cinematographer, one really needs to put in his best. And it is he who actually turns a filmmaker's vision into reality on celluloid. But personally, I enjoy cimematography more than filmmaking. I need my quota of sleep at the end of the day. As a filmmaker, I could never be at peace with myself. It was quite a roller-coaster ride but with Jaideep Sahani handling the screenplay and Adi on my side, I couldn't have asked for more.

What really prompted you to zero in on Madhuri Dixit?

Could you suggest me another name? It was during one of those initial scriptwriting sessions with Adi and Jaideep when Adi just floated the idea about casting Madhuri. Incidentally, Adi had met her a week before that. So, we decided to give it a try.

Was it difficult persuading the actress for a comeback?

As far as my knowledge goes, it wasn't that difficult. Adi went to talk to her during one of her stays in Mumbai and he came back to happily announce that Madhuri had agreed to do our film. And when you've got the best, why think about anyone else? When Adi gave her an outline of the plot, Madhuri just loved it. The film sees her as a dancer. The story develops during the making of a play, an ageing actress, her director (and ex-lover) and a young actress discuss love, life, ageing and their work. That's all I can reveal at the moment.

The grapevine has it that Madhuri is not very happy with the final outcome and has even refused to participate in the promotions. How far is it true?

Even I have heard that. But the reality is that Madhuri hasn't seen the film yet. So, how can she even dislike it? Let me also inform the media that since the time Madhuri landed in Mumbai, which is day before, she has been moving around like a whirlwind promoting the film.

The film doesn't have a so-called 'male lead' and looks like it's only Madhuri who is shouldering the film. Why so?

Why not? Now, you can't blame us for treading 'a little' different path. I won't call it unconventional though. Madhuri definitely shoulders the film, but with a fantastic screenplay and an ensemble cast of actors like Raghuveer Yadav, Vinay Pathak, Ranbir Shorey, Konkona Sensharma and Kunal Kapoor to go with her, the film certainly has an extra edge over others.

Aaja Nachle comes soon after the release of films like Om Shanti Om and Saawariya which boasted of powerful music. Do you think this is the right time for the film's release?

See, I am not really worried about all this, since I don't really understand the marketing policies. I am sure Yashraj Films is capable enough to handle that bit.

The 'Jalwa' song in the film resembles shots from films like Bunty Aur Babli and Laaga Chunari Mein Daag...What's your take on this co-incidence?

There might be resemblances which are quite possible because all the three films depict small town flavours. And I am not claiming that every shot in the film is unique. But I would also like to add that even if they look similar, it wasn't done with a conscious intent .

Finally, are you satisfied the way the film has shaped up? What are your expectations from the film?

Well, I have tried to put in my best as all filmmakers do. But then, I also believe that every film takes a life of its own when it hits the theatres. I am just waiting for the audience to give the final verdict.

Jaya Biswas | Buzz18