After Kajal Agarwal, you’ve worked with Tamannaah. What makes actresses from the South so much in demand?
Often, a new face is required for a character. The girls who have worked down South are fresh faces for Hindi films. They have experience and are professional. Tamannaah is a big star in the South and that counts.
How important is the box office for you?
Business has always been the most important thing. You make a film for people to like it. And that will happen when you make good films. And when the film is good, it’ll definitely fetch money. So ultimately, it’s the same thing. Whether you make a film for money, praise or satisfaction, basically you are making it for the audience.
Often filmmakers compromise on quality to make their films commercially successful…
No, to win the audience’s favour, it’s important for the film to be good. It’s not that you compromise to get the audience’s favour; rather, you have to work hard for that and improve on your entertainment quality.
Your alleged animosity with Shah Rukh Khan is legendary. What’s the truth?
Personally, we have no problem, no tension, no issues and nothing to do with each other. When we meet, which is rare, we are cordial. We are colleagues and we care equally about everyone in the industry.
Do you feel that the industry has pampered the three Khans (Shah Rukh, Aamir and Salman)?
No, absolutely not. I have no problems with them being pampered.
Do you feel the fight with Yash Raj Films happened at the wrong time because Yash Chopra had just passed away and the industry’s sympathies were with them?
There was no sympathy as such and our intention was not to hurt anyone. I was just demanding what was fair. As for Yashji, I respect him as much as anyone else. He has given a lot to the industry. My fight was not against Yashji. It’s a fight between right and wrong. Call it bad timing.
But YRF reacted by not inviting Kajol for the premiere of Jab Tak Hai Jaan despite their long association with her…
It was the right reaction. I appreciate straightforward people. I don’t like those who feel differently and behave differently. I like people who are the same on your face and behind your back. At least, it’s clear whether you are on this side or that side of the line.
You consider your daughter Nysa a true critic. Which of your performances has she liked?
She likes all my comedies. She liked the Taki o taki song in Himmatwala. For the first time, she said that I’d danced well.
You’ve been doing just two films at a time…
These days it’s difficult to do more than two films a year because promotions take up a lot of time. Earlier, you would do a film and move on but now you also have to promote it. Now it’s a bigger ball game.
You’ve also diversified into business…
We have started a solar power project in Gujarat. Another new project is coming up in Rajasthan. I’m also planning to produce films.
You and Kajol have been married for 14 years. What’s that one thing that hasn’t changed about her?
She is honest and frank as ever. If she believes something is wrong, she says it right on your face. She doesn’t care how you will take it.
What’s the secret of your successful marriage?
Both of us work hard at it. We have to understand each other and move accordingly. We also have to make compromises and need to keep each other’s likes and dislikes in mind. You have to find a middle path and that can only happen when you both agree to do it.
Do you remember meeting Kajol for the first time?
Yes, a bit. It was a casual meeting with just a hello on the set of some film.
Have the two of you come closer after the birth of Nysa and Yug?
Well, you definitely do come closer when you have kids. You mature and the bond deepens. But it also increases your troubles because you are unable to spend enough time with each other. However, you don’t grudge that because you are spending that time with your kids.
Where does Kajol’s strength lie?
In her confidence and talent.
What has she added to your personality?
She has made me a responsible person. Fifteen years ago, I was different — absolutely violent; I’d behave in any manner anywhere. Now, that has changed.
How easy is it for you to please an upset Kajol?
Not easy at all! But we have an understanding that if we realise that the mistake is ours then we go ahead and accept it. We don’t add to the problem, we get done with it.
You’re known to be a good cook, what do you prepare for her?
I don’t cook especially for her; I cook for the entire family, especially for my daughter. She enjoys my cooking.
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