By Indira Dharchaudhuri, Staff Writer Saif Ali Khan was in Dubai earlier this week. Excerpts from an interview.
Have you ever thought of investing in the Indian Premier League?
No ways… my father will frown on me! I am much happy earning from my films and night-club openings... just as I am a Guest DJ at It’s Mirchi. You know it’s not something that I am doing out of goodwill. They’re paying me handsomely. And I’m not exactly a businessman.
No plans for Hollywood?
I’ve already been offered some bad Hollywood movies. And I’ve said ‘no’. But you never know!
What about the small screen -- reality shows on television?
At the moment my focus is on films. But if something worthwhile comes along my way – for instance hosting a show like Kaun Banega Crorepati (Who Wants to be a Millionaire) -- I may think.
Is the Kareena tattoo permanent? How has she influenced you?
The tattoo is certainly permanent. Kareena has had a great influence on me, not just personally but professionally too. She has taught me to balance life. She is loving, caring and her approach to work is extremely positive. It’s always nice to see her. I am vey proud of the fact that she has made it to Filmfare magazine’s Powerlist of 10 most powerful people in Bollywood.
What about Marriage?
Marriage is a logical conclusion but it’s also like the end of a journey. Yes, it’s ‘just a piece of paper that’s left’ – as Kareena has wonderfully and rightly stated, but at the moment we are both enjoying our work.
Coming to Dubai…would you like to invest here?
A house you mean? Oh I am waiting for someone to gift me one. All said, I simply love Dubai. I’m not talking about the malls and sky-high towers. Dubai has its own natural beauty, the sea and the desert.
So what prompted you to launch Illuminati Films -- your production house with Eros International?
The move was more to fulfil a desire to expand my canvas. In fact, Eros Entertainment asked us [Khan and his business partner, producer Dinesh Vijan] if we’d be interested in producing a film in partnership with them. The idea sounded promising.
Not interested in a solo production house?
Why not? If this business plan succeeds, then I might even launch a solo production company. But first, I want to make quality cinema with Illuminati Films.
What about recession? Has it affected the industry?
I don’t think the film industry has been affected. If there was a meltdown, then Aamir Khan’s Ghajini wouldn’t have broken box-office records. The entertainment industry is much above economic ups and downs. People will hopefully have the money to buy cinema tickets.
You are the face of 12 brands, including Chevrolet, Lenovo, Lays, Provogue, etc. Any cuts due to the slowdown?
I value the concerns of my endorsement partners and am open to negotiations.
So what holds the clout for a film’s success? Budget, brand or script?
I don’t think a film’s budget holds much clout; it all boils down to how good or bad the script is and how much capital it validates.
Your take on your profession?
I am passionate about working in films and want to retire comfortably.
Have you ever thought of investing in the Indian Premier League?
No ways… my father will frown on me! I am much happy earning from my films and night-club openings... just as I am a Guest DJ at It’s Mirchi. You know it’s not something that I am doing out of goodwill. They’re paying me handsomely. And I’m not exactly a businessman.
No plans for Hollywood?
I’ve already been offered some bad Hollywood movies. And I’ve said ‘no’. But you never know!
What about the small screen -- reality shows on television?
At the moment my focus is on films. But if something worthwhile comes along my way – for instance hosting a show like Kaun Banega Crorepati (Who Wants to be a Millionaire) -- I may think.
Is the Kareena tattoo permanent? How has she influenced you?
The tattoo is certainly permanent. Kareena has had a great influence on me, not just personally but professionally too. She has taught me to balance life. She is loving, caring and her approach to work is extremely positive. It’s always nice to see her. I am vey proud of the fact that she has made it to Filmfare magazine’s Powerlist of 10 most powerful people in Bollywood.
What about Marriage?
Marriage is a logical conclusion but it’s also like the end of a journey. Yes, it’s ‘just a piece of paper that’s left’ – as Kareena has wonderfully and rightly stated, but at the moment we are both enjoying our work.
Coming to Dubai…would you like to invest here?
A house you mean? Oh I am waiting for someone to gift me one. All said, I simply love Dubai. I’m not talking about the malls and sky-high towers. Dubai has its own natural beauty, the sea and the desert.
So what prompted you to launch Illuminati Films -- your production house with Eros International?
The move was more to fulfil a desire to expand my canvas. In fact, Eros Entertainment asked us [Khan and his business partner, producer Dinesh Vijan] if we’d be interested in producing a film in partnership with them. The idea sounded promising.
Not interested in a solo production house?
Why not? If this business plan succeeds, then I might even launch a solo production company. But first, I want to make quality cinema with Illuminati Films.
What about recession? Has it affected the industry?
I don’t think the film industry has been affected. If there was a meltdown, then Aamir Khan’s Ghajini wouldn’t have broken box-office records. The entertainment industry is much above economic ups and downs. People will hopefully have the money to buy cinema tickets.
You are the face of 12 brands, including Chevrolet, Lenovo, Lays, Provogue, etc. Any cuts due to the slowdown?
I value the concerns of my endorsement partners and am open to negotiations.
So what holds the clout for a film’s success? Budget, brand or script?
I don’t think a film’s budget holds much clout; it all boils down to how good or bad the script is and how much capital it validates.
Your take on your profession?
I am passionate about working in films and want to retire comfortably.
No comments:
Post a Comment