A lways Kabhi Kabhi is an upcoming Hindi film, directed by first-timer Roshan Abbas and produced under Shah Rukh Khan's banner, Red Chillies Entertainment. What does the actor-producer have to say about the film? Excerpts from an interview:
What inspired you to produce a youth film, Always Kabhi Kabhi ?
Over the years, I have been feeling I should be involved in films that have something good to say. This film is straight from my heart. When Roshan told me that he wanted to make a film that would make adults understand youngsters better, I became interested. As producers, we have made some nice films and some really awful ones, but that's the business. This film is about the youth. When I talk to my children, I find life has changed a lot; I try to teach them good things, but know they are going to learn most of it from life itself.
Do you identify with the film's youth factor?
I may not be young anymore, but I love the idea of the beauty and the freedom of youth. I am 45, but my wife and my friends keep telling me that I am very silly like a youngster. So I identify with it.
When I saw the film, I realised there were many things that I hadn't done during my school days. A lot has to do with the way entertainment is presented to the youngsters today. I got to learn how much the generation has changed. I also couldn't identify with the romance between the boys and the girls. In my school, there were no girls. I miss that (laughs) .
Many production houses are doing films targeting the youth. So was this film a business decision for you?
To be honest, it is safer for me to do a film with me, till I am saleable. So I have never ventured into making films with other actors, though I would love to do that. As a matter of fact, I am extremely thankful to Eros and T-series for choosing our venture which does not have the biggest of stars, and is made by a first-time director. The reason for this film is it says a lot of nice things to parents, teachers and elders that they have to understand our youngsters better. It is not a business preposition.
When it's a business preposition, I make Ra.One because it's the most viable, and I also like to believe that the youngsters still like to watch me.
Are you happy with Roshan's direction?
Roshan has been at the receiving end because of the lack of time and I don't think he would want to work with me again as a producer. But that's fine because I don't think he will need a producer after this wonderful film he has made.
At the music launch of Always Kabhi Kabhi you told the actors to never think of themselves as stars. So did anyone teach you so?
I am still waiting to become a star.
What is the reason for this feeling of ‘not being a star'?
There are days I wake up feeling pompous, and there are days when I feel humble. Today is a humble day ( laughs ). I think contradictions are the spice of life. The thing you like today, you may not tomorrow. I don't think we have to stick to one ideology, thought or belief. People who lead their lives with one belief are the most boring human beings on earth. When I say I am not a star it's because I am completely human. I still cry, laugh, joke and get tense. I can be as human as you are, even though I have been put on this high pedestal for the last 20 years. However, what I genuinely feel is I am nobody till I work hard and make you smile.
Bollywood News Service
