Supriya Davda in conversation with the simple and ambitious director of 'Pyaar Impossible' Jugal Hansraj
BY SUPRIYA DAVDA | JAN 8, 2010
Q. You've taken a hand at directing? Have you always wanted to direct?
A. Not really, I was in fact busy with acting, but Adi (Aditya Chopra) who is a good friend of mine knew how much I was into watching animation, reading comics, and he asked me for my input with 'Roadside Romeo'. He wanted me to give him ideas about the story and how to write it. In the end I ended up directing 'Pyaar Impossible'. The process was long, and it took almost 3 years in order for us to complete it. So that’s really how I got into directing films.
Q. The brain behind the story and concept of 'Pyaar Impossible' is said to be Uday Chopra. How was it working with you being the director and him the producer?
A. Uday is one of my closet buddies. He had the idea of a geek falling in love with a beauty and he has worked really hard in forming the script. Because we are friends he could easily call me up at 6:30am and say “I have been writing this scene since 5:30am what do you think of it?” We are both in a comfort zone with one another, it was fine for me to say “I didn’t like that scene” or “I loved that scene”.
Q. What did you enjoy most whilst filming 'Pyaar Impossible'?
A. Well we had a 40 day outdoor in Singapore and Bangkok. We had an awesome time with every unit hand. We would sit by the pool, eat loads of food and chill. And let me add working with Priyanka and the star she is, was a memorable experience, she has given a great performance and I am really happy with the way the film has turned out.
Q. Do you think romantic comedies such as 'Pyaar Impossible' still excite audiences with film-makers churning out more diversed films like 'Fashion', 'Wake-Up Sid' and Ɖ Idiots'?
A. I think audiences just want to see a good movie and don’t think it depends on what genre the film belongs too. 'Wake-Up Sid' a coming of the age film was a huge success, but then so was 'Wanted' which is totally an action packed movie. Although in the 70’s and 80’s people were happy seeing the same kind of cinema. Times have changed now, I think if the film is made well then it can definitely be a success. So I think what really excites audiences is the story, I don’t think success is dependent upon genres.
Q. What’s next for you now?
A. (Laughs) I am actually raring to go. This has been the best year of my life and I am feeling really lost, my crew members have departed ways now and working on different projects and I am feeling really possessive about them all. I don’t really no what’s next for me, but will be directing one more film for Yash Raj films. I am also doing a few episodes for Yash Raj TV called 'Rishta.com'.
Q. Are you exclusively working for YRF or will you carry out for other production houses?
A. At the moment, yes I am exclusively working with YRF as I have a three film contract with them. I have completed two, and I have one more to do with them, let’s see what we come up with.
Q. You’re also on twitter, do you find that social networking sites such as Twitter is a good medium to promote your work?
A. Well yes it is, but it’s also a platform for us to reach out to our audiences and for them to reach out to you. It’s really important for me to know if they like what they see and if they don’t like what they see. And because they don’t know you, they are able to give you their honest opinions. Although I don’t tweet too often, I am not into computers and all so much, I much rather curl up to a book.
'Pyaar Impossible' has released today at most cinemas nationwide. Click here to read the interview of Priyanka Chopra for the film 'Pyaar Impossible'
