Post by nisa on Jun 3, 2008 19:37:50 GMT 12
May 31, 2008
From acting to directing, Ajay Devgan seems to have his hands full. The actor, who is currently busy with his directorial debut, U, Me Aur Hum, is also eagerly awaiting the release of Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag.
He seems to be convinced that the film will appeal to the masses. Here's why:
What's cooking these days?
I am busy shooting for my film, U, Me Aur Hum, and I am trying to finish it as soon as possible.
Coming to Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag, you must have felt bad when Veeru turned Heero.
Honestly, I did feel bad. But I don't think it will affect the fate of the film. Also, we did not have any choice. It's upto the audience to see it or not.
Are you apprehensive about comparisons between the original Sholay and Ramu's version?
We are not competing with any film. This film is just Ramu's tribute to the original.
Also, when you adapt a film, you need to keep so many things in mind. Many years have passed and attitudes have changed. The way people speak as well as language has undergone a change.
The setting of the first film was a village whereas Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag is based in a city. I don't think there is any room for comparison.
Amitabh Bachchan said at the film's launch that he was the first choice to play Gabbar Singh and had requested Ramesh Sippy for the same. What about you? Did you want to play any other role besides Veeru?
I always wanted to enact Veeru because he has so many shades to his character. I think Amit ji has done a fantastic job in the film. I would not like to divulge much but the way Amitji has portrayed the role is fabulous.
Did you get to meet Dharmendra in connection with your role?
I did not meet him in connection with the film though I have met many times.
Prashant Raj plays Jai, your partner in crime. How is he in the film?
He is very good and has done a good job in the film. I think he matches the level of confidence that RGV was looking for.
The promos show a whole new lot of fun elements to your character...
Yes, it has everything and it is for this precise reason that I like my character a lot. My role has got elements of action, romance, songs et al. So in a way, the scenario is such that it encompasses everything. It was fun enacting such a role.
Before you started shooting for Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag, did Ramu give you any specific instruction?
Hundred per cent. A director makes a film with his or her vision, and knows best what sort of performance is required from an actor. Ramu knew what he expected of me, and the credit or discredit goes entirely to RGV whether people like or dislike me in the film (smiles).
The original Sholay was a blockbuster. How do you foresee the fate of this film?
I really don't know how the audience react. I feel that we have made a good film from the way it has shaped up.
Tell us about your role in the film.
I play Heero. I'm sure I don't need to talk a lot about the character because everyone who has seen Sholay will know my character.
It's only the attitude of the character and the film that has changed. The base is the same.
Finally, what do you think will appeal to the audience, in this modern version of Sholay?
I don't think I'm the right person to ask as I am biased about this film. Usually, I am not biased about my films. There have been some films which I did not like, and felt that I made a mistake.
But not this one. I got more than what I expected out of this film. It has shaped up very well and I hope the audience likes it too.
specials.rediff.com/movies/2007/aug/13slid1.htm
From acting to directing, Ajay Devgan seems to have his hands full. The actor, who is currently busy with his directorial debut, U, Me Aur Hum, is also eagerly awaiting the release of Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag.
He seems to be convinced that the film will appeal to the masses. Here's why:
What's cooking these days?
I am busy shooting for my film, U, Me Aur Hum, and I am trying to finish it as soon as possible.
Coming to Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag, you must have felt bad when Veeru turned Heero.
Honestly, I did feel bad. But I don't think it will affect the fate of the film. Also, we did not have any choice. It's upto the audience to see it or not.
Are you apprehensive about comparisons between the original Sholay and Ramu's version?
We are not competing with any film. This film is just Ramu's tribute to the original.
Also, when you adapt a film, you need to keep so many things in mind. Many years have passed and attitudes have changed. The way people speak as well as language has undergone a change.
The setting of the first film was a village whereas Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag is based in a city. I don't think there is any room for comparison.
Amitabh Bachchan said at the film's launch that he was the first choice to play Gabbar Singh and had requested Ramesh Sippy for the same. What about you? Did you want to play any other role besides Veeru?
I always wanted to enact Veeru because he has so many shades to his character. I think Amit ji has done a fantastic job in the film. I would not like to divulge much but the way Amitji has portrayed the role is fabulous.
Did you get to meet Dharmendra in connection with your role?
I did not meet him in connection with the film though I have met many times.
Prashant Raj plays Jai, your partner in crime. How is he in the film?
He is very good and has done a good job in the film. I think he matches the level of confidence that RGV was looking for.
The promos show a whole new lot of fun elements to your character...
Yes, it has everything and it is for this precise reason that I like my character a lot. My role has got elements of action, romance, songs et al. So in a way, the scenario is such that it encompasses everything. It was fun enacting such a role.
Before you started shooting for Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag, did Ramu give you any specific instruction?
Hundred per cent. A director makes a film with his or her vision, and knows best what sort of performance is required from an actor. Ramu knew what he expected of me, and the credit or discredit goes entirely to RGV whether people like or dislike me in the film (smiles).
The original Sholay was a blockbuster. How do you foresee the fate of this film?
I really don't know how the audience react. I feel that we have made a good film from the way it has shaped up.
Tell us about your role in the film.
I play Heero. I'm sure I don't need to talk a lot about the character because everyone who has seen Sholay will know my character.
It's only the attitude of the character and the film that has changed. The base is the same.
Finally, what do you think will appeal to the audience, in this modern version of Sholay?
I don't think I'm the right person to ask as I am biased about this film. Usually, I am not biased about my films. There have been some films which I did not like, and felt that I made a mistake.
But not this one. I got more than what I expected out of this film. It has shaped up very well and I hope the audience likes it too.
specials.rediff.com/movies/2007/aug/13slid1.htm