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News Topical, Digital Desk : Fashion designer Manish Malhotra first announced his intention to enter film production about 10 years ago. Now, he's making his debut with "Gustakh Ishq." The film marks Vijay Varma's first romantic role. The two spoke with IANS about a variety of topics related to the film...
Question: Manish, it took a long time to get into filmmaking?
Answer: I've had a very busy career. I always had the desire to make a film. There's a right time for everything. Meanwhile, I wrote a script to direct, and then launched my Delhi store. During COVID, I stopped working for the first time in my career. Beyond personal life and clothing, I had the idea of making films. I wanted to become an independent producer, as is the case in the West. I've done over 500 films as a designer, so I'm known for my glamorous side. I wanted to make films that were different. Choosing subjects took time. Three things have always worked in my career: first, my inner voice; second, my honesty; and third, my candor. Karan (Karan Johar) often tells me that I enjoy the little things. You'll find a different flavor and enjoyment in 'Gustakh Ishq' as well.
Q: Vijay, you were playing intense roles. No one saw you as a romantic hero...
A: I was enjoying those kinds of roles, but after a while, I got tired of them. I was afraid I'd repeat myself. I wanted a break from that. (Smiles) Luckily, he brought me the script for 'Gustakh Ishq'. I found it sugar-coated.
Q: You also took Naseeruddin Shah's class at FTII in Pune. Now that you're in films, what was your experience?
Answer: I've been a fan of his. I haven't missed a play of his in 20 years. His class focuses heavily on imagination. Spoken words are irrelevant. All the exercises are silent. For example, if you're injured or burned, you can't speak. You'll come in limping or doing something else. The people inside have to guess what's wrong with him. What's the problem? I've done a lot of those exercises. There's a scene in the film where he hugs me. It wasn't in the script, but while filming the scene, he was so filled with love that he hugged me.
Question: The name of the film was earlier Uljulul Ishq, then what was the reason for changing it to 'Gustakh Ishq'?
Manish: (laughs) I was the reason. "Uljulul" is a beautiful word. I think it flows well in the song, although people were finding the title a bit difficult. There was a time when many things in the film were stalling, and I felt it was getting confusing. Ironically, the film's name was changed just three months ago, and it's still almost ready for release.
Vijay: They sent us the poster directly. Then we posted it. By then, the song "Uljulul" had already been completed. Actually, Gulzar and Vishal Bhardwaj loved the word "Uljulul." They wrote the song in a day, and Vishal composed it.
Q: Vijay, what is your process for getting through intense scenes?
Answer: If the scene is done right, you can easily move on, but if it's not done right, it leaves a sense of incompleteness. I try to give the director a good take.
Question: Manish, what was your best friend Karan Johar's reaction to the film?
Answer: Vijay (laughing): Karan got electrocuted.
Manish: He really liked the music. I sent him the songs when they were first being recorded. He loved them. He even saw a little bit of the film. He always tells me to keep working.
Question: Which mistake in love cannot be forgiven?
Answer: Vijay: If love is true then all indiscretions should be forgiven.
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