That’s what choreographer Farah Khan asked her husband Shirish Kunder after getting an offer to play the female lead in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Shirin Farhad to be directed by his sister Bela
Ace choreographer -filmmaker Farah Khan is all set to make her Bollywood debut as a lead actor. The woman who created Munni and Sheila has been signed on as the leading lady in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Shirin Farhad to be directed by his sister Bela.
A visibly glowing Khan met us at her Seven Bungalows flat and kickstarted a rather interesting and revealing tete-a-tete, saying, “Shoot your questions. My triplets just went to sleep, they sleep in unison.”
How did it feel when you were asked to play the female lead in Bhansali’s Shirin Farhad?
Thinking he was pulling my leg, I said, ‘You’re mad’.
Understandable, since the two of you have often taken digs at each other…
(Laughs) Yeah, we have trashed each other in the past. We have actually shared a very off-on relationship. We started our careers around the same time (pauses and stares at the ceiling).
Go on…
| Yogen Shah |
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But we have been more than fine with each other for the past couple of years. We started bonding after my babies were born. He sent me a very sweet SMS and I sent biryani on his birthday. Since then we have been very cordial.
Did you say ‘yes’ to Bhansali instantly?
(Smiles) I asked Shirish if he would be embarrassed to see his 40-plus wife as a heroine. He said ‘Farah, I am chilled out about this. As long as you like the script, please go ahead’. I have full faith in Bela’s directorial abilities.
Have you and Bhansali changed?
We are in our 40s. You can’t be in your 40s and behave the same way as you did in your 20s or 30s. If yes, then you are retarded. I have definitely changed. Life has been rather good to me. I can’t still behave cracked.
At one point it was nice, but as you grow older, you become caring and sensitive. I’ll be honest, but I won’t make fun of someone or his/her film just because I think it’s cool. As for Sanjay, even he has mellowed down. Yes, he is a moody man but he has a great sense of humour.
Do all patch-ups lead to a film? Your patch-up with Shah Rukh Khan hasn’t culminated in a project together, hence this question.
I didn’t go to his vanity van because I wanted him in my next film.
Are friendships in the industry need based?
Sometimes, I feel that they are. Else why would Shah Rukh get so angry and take such a high stand if I didn’t do a film with him?
Is there a possibility of him starring in your next film?
I haven’t thought about it.
People are talking about your newfound friendship with Hrithik Roshan. Buzz is, he will star in your next film.
As I said, I haven’t thought about the casting yet. And my friendship with Hrithik is not newfound. I know him since Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai.
People expected your last film Tees Maar Khan to do better…
Jeez that’s a compliment.
But were you okay with it?
No. It hit me. People were out there to tear my film apart. But on hindsight, I think it was good for me. I think people want my films to be very big and emotional all the time.
People expected you to drop Akshay Kumar from Joker after Tees Maar Khan…
Why would I do that? Akshay did everything I asked him to. If anybody needs to be blamed for Tees Maar Khan failure, it’s me.
Did you ever feel that if Tees Maar Khan starred SRK…
(Interrupts) No. Never. Those who didn’t like Tees Maar Khan wouldn’t have liked it with anybody else.
Katrina Kaif or Sonakshi Sinha who is a better dancer?
In Joker, Sonakshi was told to dance impromptu. In Tees Maar Khan, I had choreographed the item number which Katrina had rehearsed. Unless both dance with equal practice done, we shouldn’t analyse this.
Diplomatic answer?
No yaar.
