U Me Aur Hum will be Kajol’s second film after marriage. The actress excitedly talks about the film, her husband Ajay Devgan as the director and her debut as a producer on the eve of the music launch of her film.
How did it feel being directed by Ajay Devgan?
It was an honour and I am proud of the fact that my husband directed me as a heroine. He is one of the best directors I have ever worked with and it’s going to stay with me for a very long time. He is a true director to the core.
How many inputs did you give as a producer and a wife on the sets? Were there any improvisations on the sets? Did you ever discuss the film at home?
I don’t think I have made any special effort. Right from the story idea, to the script and the through the entire shoot - all of us worked together. The credit goes to the executive producer, the editors, scriptwriters and everyone who worked hard to make it a good film. We used to brainstorm, chat and develop new ideas. So it was a team effort. As far as the improvisations were concerned, we had a bound script and we shot as it was. We do discuss changes sometimes but nowadays it has increased since we are in the post-production phase. Ajay speaks about nothing but the film.
Now that you have become a producer any chances of taking up direction? How strict was Ajay on the sets?
No, absolutely not. I am happy acting and I feel I can achieve a lot as an actor. Ajay was like a principal of a school and I think if a principal is not strict, the school can go haywire. Ajay in fact, did just that. He made sure everyone on the sets knew who the captain of the ship was. He has a different working pattern. Though he was the director of the film, I was also the producer so he didn’t scold me. He was so clear with his ideas that he never got a chance to reprimand me. Ajay is very easy to understand. I think we would be very dumb not to understand Ajay.
Was there any particular reason you chose Vishal Bharadwaj to sing the title track of the film?
I think it is important to bring in new talent. We were also given a break when we were newcomers. He is a great music director and has a great voice and hence we asked him to sing the title track. It is my favourite number in the film. The album has lovely numbers. There a slow romantic number, a naughty number and a fast Punjabi track. So it has a mix of everything.
Now that you are back what kind of roles are you looking forward to? We have heard that you are doing Karan Johar’s My Name Is Khan?
I’ve tentatively said yes to Karan. I have not yet read the script. Nothing has been finalised yet. As for my roles, it depends on the script. It has to be a good script and a good director. I won’t say yes unless I see the script.
Did your daughter come on the sets? Have you ever shown her your earlier films?
Nyasa was with us on the cruise but not on the sets. She used to get bored. Her school was also starting so I didn’t take her with us. When she was around, I got tense about her food and sleep and couldn’t concentrate on work. I tried showing her my films but when she sees me crying, she starts crying too and asks us to change the channel. She can’t bear to see tears in my eyes. Maybe I will show her my films when she grows up and can understand better.
Why do you think married heroines are making a comeback into films?
It’s not a recent trend. Heroines from the days of Saira Banu have made a comeback after marriage. But yes, the audience has changed, their viewpoint has changed. Films on different subjects are being made and I consider myself lucky to be in an age where I can do different kinds of films. You don’t have to be a 16-year-old to do films anymore
