Image courtesy: Viral Bhayani
After the debacle of her husband Shirish Kunder’s Joker, a film Akshay Kumar refused to promote for reasons best known to him, filmmaker Farah Khan and Khiladi Kumar fell apart. The duo had shared a fabulous rapport previously. They had co-produced Tees Maar Khan and though the film was a box-office turkey, both Akki and Farah benefitted enough to take their friendship and business association to the next level. But with Joker, things took a nasty turn. Farah Khan opens up about her equation with Khiladi Kumar, acting, movies, and more.
What do you have to say about the recent controversy involving Akshay Kumar and your film Joker?
I just feel that actors need to be a little more responsible. That’s my stand on the whole issue. If you are in a project and have taken money for it, you ought to be there till the end.
So, the tiff continues...
Both Shirish (Kunder) and I have moved on. That’s why we don’t want to give interviews on this particular subject. Being the producer, I did whatever I could to promote the movie. But when the actor washes his hands off, it sends the wrong signal to everyone.
Do you agree that friendship and enmity in Bollywood are not permanent?
I don’t think they should be permanent anywhere, at least not enmity. This industry is so small that you bump into the same 30 people at every party. You can avoid someone for some time, but not forever. But sometimes, you have to stand up for your principles. It’s fine to say that you don’t want to work with a person again, because he/she has wronged you. It’s just that after a few years, you will forget the reason behind the tiff.
How do you tackle failure?
Failure lets you know your real friends. I think Tees Maar Khan’s failure has taught me what not to repeat in my next movie.
Are you planning to write or produce a film starring you?
A big no. I wouldn’t want to act again, even though I have got positive feedback on Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi. It was tough acting. A lot of time goes into it. When I’m making a film, I don’t waste that much time on the sets, because I’m constantly working.
Do you sympathise with actors now?
I don’t feel bad for actors, as I never got paid as much as them.
What do you think of the 100-crore club?
I don’t want to be in the 100-crore club, rather in the 300-crore club, exclusively.
What kind of mommy are you?
My maids tell me sometimes ‘inko daanto zara, sunte nahin hain’. If I raise my voice at them, they start crying. I blackmail them emotionally. I ask them what would happen when mamma goes away. And then I would ask ‘mera jaidaad kisko milegi’ and they all will scream ‘mujhe’. I ask them if they even understand the meaning of jaidaad. And my daughter will say, ‘your money’.
You are back on television. Why Colors’ India’s Got Talent (IGT)?
I am there for only 10 episodes. The best part about me and Karan (Johar) is that we can take potshots at each other without feeling offended. If I find someone great on this show, I would definitely use him/her in my projects. It expands your horizon when you watch new things. Or else, you keep seeing the same old thing.
What is your comfort zone — directing, acting or judging on TV?
I’m definitely more comfortable directing. Doing TV shows is even nicer, because that’s where my butter really comes from, though I should be off butter now.
Author: Neha Maheshwari Bhagat
