Actor Dia Mirza is all set to enter film production. In a chat, she speaks about her debut project. Excerpts:
How did the idea of becoming a co-producer with Zayed Khan strike you?
Saahil, Zayed and I became friends about three years ago. There was one moment on the terrace of Zayed's house when we were all like: ‘Why can't we do it? Who are we waiting for?' In my tenth year as an actor, I wanted to do something that was a sea change from what I have done. Shabana Azmi told me: ‘Your timing is perfect'. So we started our production company, ‘Born Free'. We also realised that ‘Born Free' is not about just one film, we wanted to make movies. We wanted to give new people opportunities.
Do you believe Zayed and your capabilities as actors have not been utilised well?
Totally, we are go-getters, survivors. We have conviction in our dreams; if no one else can fulfil them, we will do so ourselves.
What made you start your company with a romantic film?
The boys (Saahil and Zayed) were working on an action comedy earlier and they had a ready script. But I said we should go with a love story first. When we heard the script of Love Break-Up Zindagi , we got really attached to it. There was a level of possessiveness about the script; we didn't want it to go anywhere else. This is a film with heart and we wanted to make it with heart.
So, the action film will be the next?
Yes. But I don't know if I will be part of it.
I believe the romantic story was your idea?
Yes! There is so much love out there; we all experience love in so many different hues. Yet there is a problem … and I wanted to attack it. Saahil is a good writer; he brought to life the characters.
How did Zayed and you become such close friends?
I got close to Zayed, when he was getting married to Malaika by just being involved in the wedding. I was involved in co-ordinating the rehearsals and getting the skit ready with Hrithik and Ritesh and all his friends. We formed a beautiful bond. I love his wife; she is like my soul sister. Since then, I have been part of every big change in his life — from his becoming a parent to seeing Malaika grow to Zidane's first step.
Which are your other films?
When we decided that we are going ahead with Born Free, I began backing off from other projects.
Will you try direction?
Yes, I want to be a director. This realisation happened much before I realised that I wanted to produce.
Is your pal Boman Irani going to be part of the film?
Boman is my lucky mascot. He is part of my film.
jigar shah, bollywood news service
