Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
Bachchan's big test
|
Their fathers were a hit team. Will Rohan Sippy and Abhishek Bachchan recreate history with "Kuch Naa Kaho" releasing tomorrow?
|
IT SEEMS to be the usual love story on the surface - but debutant director Rohan Sippy has infused some novelty in it. What happens when an Indian settled in New York who does not believe in arranged marriages, is forced to see numerous potential brides but falls in love with the most ineligible woman of all? There lies the catch and the new treatment in Kuch Naa Kaho. Rohan Sippy, like his male protagonist, shares a lineage both being the sons of the illustrious Ramesh Sippy and Amitabh Bachchan respectively. Ramesh Sippy who gave one of the country's path-breaking blockbusters Sholay and Amitabh who won the hearts of all with his endearing performance in the masterpiece. Abhishek Bachchan romances Ash once again in Kuch Naa Kaho after Dhai Akshar Prem Ke.
"The film does not have typical characters - there is a newness in these characters who tell this story. It is not inspired by any specific incidents as such. One comes across people in life, reads about them. So it takes off from that," says Rohan.
While the story is by Rohan's wife Rohena Gera, the screenplay is by Neeraj Vohra. Abhishek Bachchan was the first choice for the role of Raj. "The film is not a teenage love story. The character demanded youthfulness combined with maturity. Abhishek was ideally suited as he had the required physicality and mature presence. Moreover, we shared the same sensibilities," says Rohan. "When Rohan narrated the role I fell in love with the story," says Abhishek. Does he relate to the character he is essaying in the film in real life? "Most definitely. Raj is close to what I am in real life," answers Abhishek.
"It was Abhishek who suggested Ash. She was wonderful," says Rohan. "The moment he gave me the brief he got me hooked on to the film. I completely related to the character of Namrata. She's the woman of today and yet very rooted. Some situations bring her to a point where she has to take these very real decisions on which the story hinges. I related to her views, her value system and her ability to take some vital decisions," adds Ash.
For Abhishek it was "like working in a family production. I have known Ramesh Uncle (Sippy Sr.) since a child. So the comfort level was high and the atmosphere on the sets was casual and relaxed," states Abhishek. "There was close co-operation from all the members on the sets and no hierarchy. My father of course has been very supportive," adds Rohan.
Rohan endorses "the story has not seen before on the silver screen. The character of Ash is new. There is a certain modernism and progressiveness in the story. It's a film intended for the entire family. It is entertaining yet with a sub-text having a thought-provoking message."
Abhishek and Ash come together once again. "There were no initial barriers as we had worked before. As one works one gets to know the artiste better. We shared a good rapport. Ash is a good friend and a wonderful co-artiste," feels Abhishek. Ash says "it was great working with Abhishek. He's a complete prankster on the set, he's great fun. He knows me very well. He kept the spirit light and that made the whole process a lot more easier. We share a great rapport which shows on the screen."
The film is shot in Mauritius, Kerala and Ooty. He is full of praise for Bachchan Jr. "There was full bonhomie on the sets. Abhishek was largely responsible for this. He kept things light thereby taking the pressure off. When we shot in Mauritius Abhishek made tea for the unit on a rainy day. There is a lot of spontaneity and casualness in the film which was largely contributed by Abhishek." He rewinds the shooting in the treacherous Athirapalli Falls in Kerala. "There were slippery rocks with leeches and water spraying all around. In those conditions we had to film. Some people slipped and sustained bruises. At one stage I thought what are we doing but the end result was worth it."
Amitabh Bachchan and Ramesh Sippy had worked together before and now the second generation is working together in Kuch Naa Kaho. How do both the juniors feel the pressure and the comparisons? "I am under no pressure. I have seen my father's inspiring work. I am standing on the shoulders of a giant and can reach wherever it is difficult to do so. I feel one must take the positive points. Amitabhji and my Dad worked in different times and different contexts," says Rohan. "I always look up to my father and am proud of what he has done but never look at the comparison," says Abhishek. Comparisons are odious but have to be made? "It's an honour to be compared with a legend. But I have to do my work," responds Abhishek.
"We have done our best and it is for the audience to judge," says Rohan. For Abhishek too, this movie is close to his heart. "I have expectations for every film as one puts in a lot of effort in each ." Abhishek too is full of praise for Rohan. "Hats off to Rohan for tackling such a sensitive subject." It remains to be seen whether the two buddies and sons pull it off together this Friday. Will history repeat itself? Wait and watch.
RADHIKA RAJAMANI
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
|
