International filmmakers going 'desi': Jackie Shroff

Since Slumdog Millionaire’s success, Bollywood has witnessed increased collaboration with Hollywood and the international film fraternity.

Cover Story starring Jackie Shroff and Anjum Nayar is   being directed by Dutch director, Laurens C Postma.

Speaking on international talent knocking at Bollywood’s door, he says, “It’s great to see an international director coming and doing a Hindi film whereas our guys are still struggling to make a mark in Hollywood films except a few success stories.”

He adds that such collaborations are set to grow.

“I see more and more international faces in Bollywood as it is a lucrative industry and they would like to tap the Indian market which is more than a billion and growing.”

Sharing his experience about working with the Dutch filmmaker, he says, “Initially, I was apprehensive whether he would understand me or not but then I realised that actors and filmmakers speak the same language in any part of the world. So language was not a barrier.”

However, all films cannot adhere to Indian sensibilities. Jackie feels that genres such as thrillers and action have already started witnessing special artistes being deployed from abroad.

“We cannot expect filmmakers from abroad to direct family dramas such as Maine Pyar Kiya or Hum Aapke Hain Kaun. But films with global themes where the racy story takes precedence over the settings will definitely see more international collaboration,” and adds, “such contemporary and gripping stories, that can take place anywhere, are increasingly striking a chord with the Indian audience.”

Jackie is thrilled with his shift to critically acclaimed roles. Speaking about future projects, he says, “I am doing Life is Good with Anant Mahadevan. Nowadays, a lot of guys who are serious thinkers are coming to me with interesting scripts.”