From Saif to John

Not many are aware that Saif Ali Khan was the original choice for the principal lead in UTV’s DHAN DHANA DHAN GOAL, directed by Vivek Agnihotri. In fact, not only did Vivek keep Saif in mind while writing the script, the actor was all charged to do the film when he heard the script.

But there was a hitch -- Vivek wanted Saif to undergo a three-month training in soccer in U.K. to enact the character with conviction. And Saif didn’t have dates to spare. “He was ready to allot two months at a stretch for shooting in U.K., but not additional three months for training, since that would’ve thrown the schedule of his other films out of gear. That’s when we decided to part ways,” Vivek reminisces.

It was then that the makers approached John Abraham for the role in question, since John is a soccer fan in real life.

Meanwhile, talk is rife that GOAL has gone over-budget. “That isn’t anyone’s concern. Has a law been passed in parliament that the budget of a film shouldn’t exceed an ‘x’ amount? If the producers [UTV] and I feel we need to spend more, we will. These talks make no sense in today’s times, when people are giving their all to make international-level films,” Vivek shoots back. Point noted!

Will they work together?

A lot has been spoken and written about the Shahid – Kareena break-up. Initially, there was talk that it was a publicity stunt to get free mileage for the film JAB WE MET, which teams them again for the fourth time. But, gradually, it came to light that the couple has indeed gone separate ways.

With JAB WE MET slated for release on October 26 [not too far away], the question on everyone’s lips is, will the estranged couple promote the film together? “Of course, we will,” Shahid tells me, “The film is at a crucial stage right now. Also, professionally speaking, if there’s a job you need to do, you can’t shy away from it.”

Alright, what if JAB WE MET works [we pray, it does!]. Will we see them together [on screen] again? “Sure, why not? If an interesting project comes by, I wouldn’t mind working with her again,” he states. That’s the spirit!

Why Dharmesh Darshan chose TV actors

Dharmesh Darshan is amused at the talk going around about his decision of casting four TV actors -- Eijaz Khan, Manav Gohil, Sangeeta Ghosh and Shweta Salve -- in his new film BHANVRAA – LOVE & AGGRESSION. People feel it’s a step down. “How does anybody know what my script demands? I didn’t want complete freshers, nor did I want established names. I wanted actors who had some experience before the camera, so that I could mould them the way I want to,” the maker of RAJA HINDUSTANI justifies his decision.

Incidentally, Dharmesh says he has bound them by a contract: they can’t be seen on television for the next 9 months, till BHANVRAA releases. “Thereafter, they’re free to go their way,” he smiles.

BHANVRAA will be shot on lavish sets in Mumbai and also in Canada and Australia. “I am investing my hard-earned money in this film. I’ve complete faith in the market. People know that Dharmesh Darshan is no fly by night operator. He’d never cut corners and make a sub-standard film to make that extra buck. Let me add, even if I don’t make money on BHANVRAA, its okay. My intention is to establish my production house, Dharmesh Darshan Productions,” he states.