Q: You have started signing films after a long gap.
Please describe the projects.
A: Yes, I had not signed a film for a while. There had been
an accumulation of five films one after the other, due to the
multiplex strike. All of them have released, barring one. I
have signed up with Raj Kumar Santoshi. There are projects on
the verge of finalisation with Pritish Nandy Communications,
Prakash Jha, Puri Jagannath, Abbas Mustan and of course R. Balakrishnan.
Q: In London, you had dinner with Aamir Khan. Any projects
with him?
A: Why would you assume that when two actors meet and have
dinner together they would be doing a project together? Aamir
was in the same hotel as me. He called, we met and went out
for a meal. Just another social evening, nothing more. Though
working with Aamir would be a joy, particularly if he were to
direct the film.
Q: Any projects featuring you and Abhishek?
A: I hope there will be. There are talks in progress; when
they are ready we can talk about it.
Q: Does the criticism Abhishek's solo films "Delhi
6" and now "Raavan" strike you as being unjust
to him?
A: No not all. People pay to go and see a film. If they do
not like something, they have the liberty to criticise it. I
cannot understand why you particularly mention 'solo'. None
of my successful films 'Deewar', 'Trishul', 'Muqaddar Ka Sikandar',
'Sholay', etc were solo. Abhishek too has had his share of solo
successes and non-successes. Some work, some do not. It's filmmaking.
Happens the world over. One accepts the public verdict, learns
from it and tries again.
Q: I remember your emphatic support of "Guru".
Do you feel as strongly about "Raavan"?
A: Yes, but in different ways. "Guru" was straight
storytelling and Mani's brilliance in its presentation was very
clear to observe. "Raavan" is asking me to study and
think and analyse and probe. It's taken a while to comprehend,
so it is not immediate. It is driving me to intellectualise
something that most viewers are not prepared for when they go
to see a film...
Q: Ratnam and Abhishek have worked thrice together
and it's about time you got a chance to work with him. Is a
film with Mani round the corner?
A: I wish it was true, but there is no such offering. Could
you put in a word for me?
Q: I can't help asking...you're tweeting and blogging.
Do these means of communication make the press redundant for
you?
A: How could you possibly ask this question at the end of this
most exhaustive response of mine to the press! No, the media
will never be redundant. Yes, I blog and tweet and Vog and soon
shall also video blog, but the press shall always have its presence
and importance. For me, these mediums are a wonderful opportunity
to connect with my fans and well-wishers independently and instantly.
The internet is becoming a vast medium for the future. Most
of the requests for interviews have also reduced because the
media picks up all the daily news from our blogs and tweets.
Look at the vast amount of information that these mediums provide
on individuals you would perhaps have never had the opportunity
to interact with. It should be allowed to grow and prosper,
its use and misuse notwithstanding.
BOLLYWOOD 
