My only wish for 'Aashayein' is that it succeeds: Nagesh Kukunoor

Nagesh Kukunoor's Aashayein, starring John Abraham and Sonal Sehgal, releases this week after sitting in the cans for nearly two years. The director talks to DNA about his aashayein, John Abraham, and many other things.

What triggers an idea? How does an idea get converted into a film?
Anything can trigger an idea. It could be a simple thought, an article, a subject you are passionate about, anything. My brother is an oncologist and I often take inspiration from the people I meet and the stories I hear through him. My ideas come from there.

I’ve always liked to combine the adventure and magic that life holds. Kids innocently show that, but we as adults tend to lose that innocence. That’s what I’ve tried to do with Aashayein, too.

Aashayein has been ready for almost two years now. Why has it take so long to release?
The delay was due to some disagreement between the producers [Percept Picture Company and T-Series] and the distributor [Reliance Big Pictures]. The problem took a year to resolve. Even though we were ready by December last year, we thought it would be appropriate to wait until August to release Aashayein. So here we are now.

What have you been doing in the time between the completion of Aashayein and its final unveiling?
After Aashayein, I got busy with 8X10 Tasveer. The tricky part came when I finished 8X10. I wrote a lot and now, a lot of scripts are lying ready.

You directed and acted in your films Hyderabad Blues (1998), Rockford (1999), 3 Deewarein (2003). Tell us about your cameo in Aashayein.
In Aashayein I play the role of a bookie. It’s minuscule and took only a day’s shooting. After I shot for it on the first day of the schedule, I went on with my directorial duties uninterrupted.

After Iqbal (2005) and Dor (2006), why didn’t you repeat Shreyas Talpade in Aashayein?
Life would be boring with only one actor playing different roles all the time. For me it is an exciting challenge to show a side of an actor people have never seen before. I did that with John in Aashayein.

How was it directing John Abraham in a serious role, considering his image as a Bollywood pretty boy?
John is going to blow people’s minds with what they see of him in Aashayein. To change the perception of a good-looking guy like John as an actor was very exciting for me. Before this, John has not done even one-tenth of what he’s done in Aashayein. The audience will see him in a different light.

Why did you choose to go with a television actress Sonal Sehgal with no film experience for your lead? How professional was your lead pair?
Sonal’s audition was very good and so she bagged the role. Being a beginner, she had no attitude, no tantrums. She takes direction very seriously, so does John. He always came on time and was extremely professional.

Will John’s star status and performance overshadow Sonal’s? How far did they go to give you the desired results?
I don’t think John’s performance will overshadow that of Sonal. Each one does their bit and both are good actors. As far as the results go, I don’t wrap up the shoot until I’ve got what I want. I just don’t move on.

You directed and acted in in Hyderabad 2 (2004). Do you plan to do a full-fledged role in any of your films?
I’m excited about jumping back into acting. I also acted in 3 Deewarein. I will attempt another full-fledged role very soon. I hope it is next year.

Are you open to acting in other filmmakers’ projects?
I did get offers. But all these roles were just playing what I am. I’d like a role that wants me to stretch my ability; something challenging would be great. What’s the fun in playing an urban guy which is just an extension of my personality?

From a chemical engineer to a filmmaker, wasn’t it too drastic a transition?
This question comes 13 years late [laughs]. I’ve been a filmmaker longer than I’ve been a chemical engineer.

Any chance of going back to engineering…
I hope I never have to go back! Anyway, who will hire me now? [Laughs again.]

You are part of the committee to revamp this year’s National Awards. How is the two-tier system of selection going to help?
We recommended the two-tier system of judging the entries for the National Awards. Now a five-member jury will judge the entries and pass on the selected films to a national jury. This will help filter out bias as much as possible. It will also ensure a degree of fairness and representation at the national level for regional films. Earlier, the jury sat for 20-odd days and watched five to six films in a day. Each film did not get its due.

So, is the two-tier system foolproof? Will this year’s National Awards be completely bias free?
Nothing in the world can be completely bias free. The new system is an attempt to make the awards as fair as possible. No awards can be free of controversy.

What are you planning next?
After Aashayein, I will zero in on one of the many scripts I have written in the past months and hope something works out very soon.

What is your asha from Aashayein?
It is no different from any other filmmaker. I wish for it to succeed.

Are you praying a lot?
Well, I have many people doing that for me. And I firmly believe and want that the whole universe conspires to make my film work.

Any message for the audience?
I want my audience to come, see what different I have done this time, and appreciate it. Aashayein is an emotional film that will remind you to live life now.