This article was last updated on April 16, 2022
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The name Ashi Dua may not ring a bell now, but once her dream project Bombay Talkies releases, we are sure that her phone won't stop buzzing! For starters, Bombay Talkies, which is a celebration of Indian cinema completing 100 years, is a collection of four films directed by the doyens, viz., Anurag Kashyap, Zoya Akhtar, Dibakar Banerjee and Karan Johar. Bombay Talkies is also the name of the impossible dream that Ashi has managed to achieve by her sheer persistence, hard work and dedication and most importantly- her faith in herself as well as her project. Satish Sundaresan of Bollywood Hungama caught up with this new producer on the block for an exclusive interview.
To start with, how did the thought of making this film occur?
Around three years ago, we knew that Indian cinema was going to complete 100 years. In order to celebrate that, we were brainstorming on ideas, ranging from TV show or a grand event. After brainstorming on many ideas, we finally zeroed down on making a film and called it Bombay Talkies.
What was the influence of movies during your growing up years?
I was a total movie buff! I used to watch back to back four films without even moving an inch from my seat! I still do this stuff because I really love to watch films like nobody's business. I like to watch Bollywood, Hollywood and even World Cinema. I credit the whole World Cinema craze to Anurag Kashyap who used to provide me with DVDs to watch the films.
For Bombay Talkies, what made you zero down on these four directors (Anurag, Zoya, Dibakar and KJo)?
Since I knew Anurag personally, he was my first choice. Secondly, since Zoya breathes films and is super passionate about it, she was my but obvious choice. Thirdly, I found Dibakar to be someone who has got the required quirkiness in him, which I was looking out for in a director. Lastly, Karan Johar was a surprise element. No one expected him to say yes to this project. But the very fact that he gave his nod really meant a lot to all of us. I also wanted to have Raju Hirani, Anurag Basu, and Imtiaz Ali for Bombay Talkies; they couldn't come on board due to the time constraints despite all of them loving the concept.
Since you hail from a non-filmy background, gaining access to all of these topnotch directors must have been one uphill task. How did you manage to get through them?
As you rightly said, it was tough…but not as tough as I had imagined it to be. It did take a while for me to gain access to these directors. But, at the end of the day, when I see that I have all the four topmost dream directors, I feel that it was all worth the wait and efforts.
So which director did you have to chase the most to come on board?
Except for Karan, all the other three directors came in together almost around the same time. Karan was delayed from my end as I was too scared to approach him. But when I approached him, I was so surprised that he immediately said yes.
Did you at any point feel like giving it up?
As I said, I was mentally prepared for every hurdle that came my way. There were my good days as well as my bad days. Here I would like to make a heartfelt mention of Vikram Malhotra of Viacom 18, who came on board even before I had the four directors locked. I will be super thankful to him forever.
Are you anticipating any problems due to the name 'Bombay' and not 'Mumbai'?
I was and I still am anticipating problems. But, I just hope that the country will realize that I am talking about Indian cinema 100 years ago, when Mumbai was still called as 'Bombay'. Bombay Talkies means our cinema, its iconic of 100 years. Let me ask everyone this: when 'Bombay Times' can be called 'Bombay Times', I think that there should be no objection to even my film being called Bombay Talkies.
For Dibakar Banerjee's movie based on the late Satyajit Ray story, we hear that the official rights of the same were procured. Is it true?
Yes, it's true. We got the rights from Satyajit Ray's son Sandeep Ray in Kolkata.
Is it true that Kajol refused to do Bombay Talkies?
I have no idea about this. All that I know is that is that Rani is doing the film.
What made you zero in on Ranbir Kapoor as the 'sutradhaar'?
The present day situation is that we have pitched the concept of Bombay Talkies to him and he has agreed to do it. But the fact remains that we still haven't shot with him, as we are having date issues. Every morning, I get up with my fingers crossed to get the dates from him.
Since Bombay Talkies releases on May 3, exactly a hundred years after Raja Harishchandra (the first Indian feature film that was directed by Dadasaheb Phalke), are you planning a tribute to the late Phalke?
We are surely planning something. But then, we will be doing that towards the release of the film. I will surely let everyone know when the time is just right.
What's the duration of Bombay Talkies?
The duration of the film is almost 2 hours. There are four individual films that will be interwoven as one. Let me tell you that, it's a proper theatrical film. And the 'connection' between these films is something that you will get to know when the film releases. The film has got its music composed by Amit Trivedi.
What's the response that you are expecting for Bombay Talkies?
I just hope that every single Indian watches this film as it's a film that everyone can relate to.
Article written by staff at Bollywood Hungama. Read more
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