We are waiting to take flight: Rakesh Roshan

Rakesh Roshan’s brand equity equals more than that of the combined equities of today’s movie turks — Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Ashutosh Gowarikar, Karan Johar and Aditya Chopra. With as many as nine blockbusters to his credit, from Khudgarz to Krrish, this soughtafter filmmaker currently helms an empire that is on par with the legendary Yash Chopra. 

Looking dapper with having lost 18 kilos in recent months, at 60, Rakesh is the quintessential movie mogul, surrounded as he is by innumerable trophies (national and international) on all sides of his spacious office. When he sees me making a silent note of his achievements, his amber-coloured eyes twinkle mischievously as he says, “You know what makes these trophies extra special? It is the fact that I haven’t lobbied for any of them.’’ 

Definitely a cut above the other existing talent in Bollywood — 2010 is particularly significant year for him. He has completed 40 years as an actor, his production company Filmkraft is in its 30th year, on Thursday the filmmaker and his pretty wife Pinky brought in their 39th wedding anniversary, and he also completes his silver jubilee run as director. His directorial run is particularly significant because, unlike others in Bollywood who have just one signature genre, Rakesh has dabbled in variety. Khudgarz was a tale of friendship; Khoon Bhari Maang was woman-oriented; Karan-Arjun tackled reincarnation; Kaho Na Pyaar Hai — a romantic tale with a twist, is in the Limca Book of Records for having the maximum number of awards; and his delightful jaadu offering Koi Mil Gaya and Krrish (a super-hero film) is on the list of the 10 highest grossers ever. Rakesh, however, argues that he has miles to go, and today all his energies are focussed on his May 21 offering Kites. “The vibe on Kites is very positive,’’ he says. “The music is a chartbuster, there’s a mass hysteria to see Hrithik Roshan and Barbara Mori.’’ He is particularly proud of his director Anurag Basu who he says he is one of the brightest of the current lot. “I loved Anurag’s Gangster and Life in a Metro, he knows his medium,’’ says Rakesh. “I’m proud that he has made a path-breaking love saga like Kites for my banner.’’ 

Speaking of Anurag’s hunger to excel, the producer-writer says, “Often Anurag was hesitant to ask for things. My job was to reassure him, telling him whether it was a helicopter or a handkerchief I would procure it for him. With Hrithik putting his 200 per cent into every department, Kites has turned out to be a very attractive film. Barbara, Kangna Ranaut and Nick Brown (the Austrialian actor in a negative role) have excelled in their performances.’’ 

And while he indulged his unit with a no-holds barred expense account, Rakesh says he will leave the box office to his fans. “I have had a very faithful audience from Day 1,’’ he says. And it is true, his legion fan base has stood by him from Khudgarz to Krrish, and he is very sure that they’ll be there for the 6 am show when Kites opens in the heartland of India this May. “Kites will have its own chemistry with the audience,’’ he promises. And though he has two scripts sitting ready on his work table, Rakesh will wait for Kites to attain the dizzy heights he hopes it will, before he takes flight on his next film. 

By indiatimes