Twelve years ago, Shweta Prasad Basu, who was recently arrested for being part of an alleged prostitution racket, made her debut as a child actor in Bollywood with
’s film Makdee. Saddened by the turn of events, Bhardwaj opens up about Shweta, blaming the media for sensationalising the incident.
On another note, the filmmaker, who awaits the release of his next -- Haider on Thursday, throws light on his equation with the Khans and the status of his future projects.
What was your reaction when Shweta hit headlines recently?
I felt very sad and also very concerned because she is a very talented artist. I don’t know how she got herself into this kind of a controversy. But what saddened me more was the [way] media was reporting on the incident. Someone got into a mess, and the media was trying to exploit the episode and sensationalise it. Why are those people who were (caught) with her being hidden? Why are the names of those businessmen being protected? It shows the double standard of the media.
It was reported that Hansal Mehta would like to cast her in a film. Would you do the same?
Of course, I will work with her because she is such a talented actor; I’d like to write a role for her. [What happened with her] is very unfortunate and sad.
Have you tried to reach out to her?
No, I haven’t because I want this whole thing (the issue) to subside. [Currently] She must be going through a lot of trauma thanks to the media.
You haven’t worked with the so-called superstars till now, although you have a great equation with, say SRK.
It’s very difficult to catch hold of Shah Rukh (smiles). Whenever I have that kind of time and energy, I will definitely work with him. Whenever you are with him, he is only with you. So, it’s a very spiritual way of looking at it. You have to wait for him but he is one of the best companies I have ever been in. He is such a lovely person to be with, and has a great and quirky sense of humour. I want to do a film with him to just be with him; not with Shah Rukh — the star, but Shah Rukh, the person. We share a very edgy, bitchy kind of sense of humour.
You have worked with critically acclaimed actors. Would you ever like to work with superstars?
Who wouldn’t? But I don’t know when that will happen. I don’t know what the reason is [of not having worked with them yet]. I am a strong-headed person and I remain confused for a long time. But once I make up my mind, it’s difficult to change my decision. That might be the reason.
You were almost set to work with Aamir Khan at one point.
Aamir is a very good friend, and I end up talking to Kiran (Rao; Aamir’s wife) at least twice in a month. There are no issues as such. As for working together, we agreed to disagree. If we get a good subject or script again, we will surely work together.
Your new film, Haider, reunites Shahid Kapoor and you [after Kaminey; 2009].
He is the best actor in his age group and we share a good rapport. Since we wanted to make the film within a certain budget, I wanted an actor who understood that this film will do wonders to his career, and whom I could ask to not charge a fee.
But there were issues between you and him after Kaminey.
Differences happen with every creative person you work with. And nothing of that sort happened with Shahid. It was exaggerated by the media. And, every fight that happens is for the film.
Is Kaminey 2 happening with Shahid?
Although I have worked out a story for it, I am not thinking about right now.
Shahid says you are a difficult film-maker to convince.
I am a confused film-maker, not a difficult one. I have so many scripts that I might put their names on chits and select the one [I would like to make next] like a lottery.
You have worked with critically acclaimed actors. Would you ever like to work with superstars?
Who wouldn’t? But I don’t know when that will happen. I don’t know what the reason is [of not having worked with them yet]. I am a strong-headed person and I remain confused for a long time. But once I make up my mind, it’s difficult to change my decision. That might be the reason.
You were almost set to work with Aamir Khan at one point.
Aamir is a very good friend, and I end up talking to Kiran (Rao; Aamir’s wife) at least twice in a month. There are no issues as such. As for working together, we agreed to disagree. If we get a good subject or script again, we will surely work together.
Your new film, Haider, reunites Shahid Kapoor and you [after Kaminey; 2009].
He is the best actor in his age group and we share a good rapport. Since we wanted to make the film within a certain budget, I wanted an actor who understood that this film will do wonders to his career, and whom I could ask to not charge a fee.
But there were issues between you and him after Kaminey.
Differences happen with every creative person you work with. And nothing of that sort happened with Shahid. It was exaggerated by the media. And, every fight that happens is for the film.
Is Kaminey 2 happening with Shahid?
Although I have worked out a story for it, I am not thinking about right now.
Shahid says you are a difficult film-maker to convince.
I am a confused film-maker, not a difficult one. I have so many scripts that I might put their names on chits and select the one [I would like to make next] like a lottery.
Get more updates from Bollywood, Taylor Swift, Hollywood, Music and Web Series along with Latest Entertainment News at Hindustan Times.
Get more updates from Bollywood, Taylor Swift, Hollywood, Music and Web Series along with Latest Entertainment News at Hindustan Times.