When the co-writer of Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (one if my all time favourite films) and director of Honeymoon Travel Pvt Ltd & upcoming Aamir, Rani, Kareena starrer Talaash decided she wanted to give me a one minute interview I was over the moon! So with a punchy and to the point (love her style!) one minute here is Reema’s interview:
It’s a story of loss.
Zoya and I became friends when we worked together as AD’s on Kaizad Gustad’s film Bombay Boys. Through her, I met Farhan.
It definitely derives from all the holidays we have been on. The road trip the boys went on I think was loosely modeled on a trip Zoya and I had taken with a couple of our friends through Spain, Italy and France. We also used all our friendships as reference points I suppose, because ZNMD on a level is so much about that.
I choose a film because of the core idea or story in it. Once I am convinced of that I allow it to lead me to whatever space it needs me to go into as a writer & director. I think I am just trying to make films that I think I will enjoy watching. I don’t enjoy rom coms so I don’t think i will ever make one…there are enough people making them anyway.
I think the script did most of the talking in terms of getting Aamir on board. A big thank you to my co-writer Zoya for the crucial role she has played in the development of the story & screenplay.
I have faced no discrimination or prejudice as a woman in my 16 year career in the Hindi film Industry. I think compared to most other places this industry is a healthy place for women to work. The growing numbers of women joining the industry in an entire spectrum of jobs are proof of this. The difficulty I have faced has to do with my ideas not being very run of the mill…I have a slightly alternate or off beat sensibility and that is not necessarily something to celebrate around here.
Talaash has a gripping story line that is being propelled forward by cracking, convincing performances. I don’t see why lovers of classic bollywood cinema should be averse to this. The core of the film is very emotional…something right up the alley of Indian viewers.
I’d like to thank Reema Kagti for taking time out and taking part in my one minute series. I look forward to doing more in 2013 x
Priya Mulji
priyamulji.com 