Actors (who) wannabe directors

Multi-tasking is the buzzword in Bollywood these days and it’s not surprising when an increasing number of actors admit being tempted of wielding the director’s baton. Several Bollywood stars like Aamir Khan, Ajay Devgn, Sunny Deol, have already made that journey from in front of the camera to behind it, while others like Akshay Kumar, John Abraham, Ranbir Kapoor and Imran Khan have made no secret about harbouring dreams of turning director either. And it’s not just the actors, several actresses including Konkona Sensharma, Tabu, Kangna Ranaut, too have been vocal about harbouring the ambition to don the director’s mantle someday.

Trade analysts contribute this to several factors. Pointing out that it’s not an absolutely new trend as yesteryear actors like Sunil Dutt, Dev Anand, Guru Dutt, Rakesh Roshan and even Hema Malini too had turned directors, they do agree that now an increasing number of actors are doing it at the peak of their careers. Trade analyst Amod Mehra  feels that much has to do with the fact that several actors today including Hrithik Roshan, Ranbir Kapoor, Sonam et al, started their Bollywood careers being assistant directors.

“These are actors trained in film-making, so it’s natural for them to consider getting behind the camera as directors someday.”
According to trade analyst Komal Nahta, “Over the years, they often feel that they are more apt at handling a certain subject and are confident that they would have done a better job of directing. So, several take the plunge, when they can.”

Actor-cum-film-maker Ajay Devgn says, “If there’s a project that I believe I understand better than any other filmmaker, then I won’t mind directing again. It’s not about berating the directors in our industry, but being more passionate about your own baby.”

Actors may be filling in the shoes of directors are not complaining either. “There are some really talented actors out there who’d make good film-makers, so, why not? They too come with their hearts in the right place — a love for cinema,” explains director Madhur Bhandarkar.