We need more stars: Ishqiya's director

“I want to make unapologetic, unabashed cinema,” says debutant director Abhishek Chaubey, who changed the definition of a commercial film with his rustic romance Ishqiya. We get the director talking about his debut venture and the ‘tagda’ trio he picked...
Tell us how Ishqiya was born.
I wanted to make an entertaining rural film, which was realistic yet fun, a commercial film that breaks the basic norms of such a genre — family-oriented, urban movies with happy endings.I basically wanted to change the audience’s perception of a commercial film and Ishqiya was just that.
What about the interesting mix of characters that you brought together?
Ishqiya being my first film, I was sure I didn’t want to take any chances with the actors. I wanted the best actors, irrespective of the fact that they were stars or not. For Krishna’s role, I didn’t have much of a choice. There are very few actors like Vidya, who had the talent to go to that creative distance. While we had Naseer Bhai (Naseeruddin Shah) in mind from the start, Arshad was chosen for his brilliance. It was only after the three ‘powerhouses of acting’ came together that we realised that we had picked up quite an interesting trio, both commercially and talent-wise too. And we knew the audience was going have a blast watching them on screen.
What was their first reaction to your proposal?
It was instantaneous, to be very honest. Naseer Bhai was very happy. He was fully on, from the word ‘go’! Vidya and Arshad too said yes in no time at all.
How were they during the making?
Each one of them did the required preparation. Even Arshad, who is not at all a rehearsals’ type, sat with me and understood what I wanted. On the other hand, Naseer Bhai loves to prepare. He gave his best to the film. Right from his hair, looks to his clothes, he gave his best. Last but not the least, Vidya was very dedicated. She spent a long time working on the speech and clothes. She was exactly the way I wanted Krishna to be. If someone found her lacking in any way, then I am to be blamed.
How much creative freedom do you give to your actors?
I let them be themselves. I believe there’s a meaning behind a shot I’m taking and I also understand that actors bring their own persona to a character. So, I allow them utmost creative freedom, till it doesn’t twist the meaning of what I want. I just discuss a scene with them, give ideas and a basic sense of direction. Thereafter, watching them perform is beautiful.
You said once, “Vidya’s clothes also tell the story”. Tell us something about that...
The credit for this goes to my costume designer Payal. Vidya’s character was never meant to be that of a complete village girl. I sketched Krishna as a ‘small-town girl’, who is a graduate, married to this magnetic man and lives in this village. But, at the same time, she has a fashion sense and a certain sophistication in her personality. She was supposed to be a blend of total tradition with a pinch of modernity. And that was brought out by the vast variety of polyester sarees that Payal picked up from Delhi, Meerut, etc.
How was it making Naseer ji romance Vidya?
He once expressed his concern about looking young and I said, “Nasser Bhai, start gymming”. But, touchwood, he’s a fit man, plays tennis every day. He said, “I don’t remember the last time I did a romantic role,” and I replied, “Here’s your chance.” And, towards the end of the film, Naseer Bhai confessed, “This is one film I’ve enjoyed doing after a long time.” Without any guesses, this was the biggest compliment for me.
Did you or Naseer have any apprehensions regarding the role?
The only apprehension was that we don’t convey the love wrong. That’s the reason why Naseerji’s love scenes are shot in the kitchen and marketplace, which are very husband-wife like, while Arshad’s scenes are more of bedroom sagas. We differentiated quite well between the two relationships.
From Makdee to Ishqiya, how has the journey been so far, both with your mentor Vishal Bhardwaj and as a professional?
Excellent, busy, yet chilled out. The seven years since I started with Vishal have passed by very quickly. When I came to Mumbai 10 years ago, I was just a movie buff, who only knew he had to make movies but had no sensibilities of movie-making. Working with Vishal gave me absolute clarity about the difference between appreciating cinema and making cinema. It has been a major learning experience, and not just professionally. I’ve learnt about life. This is one of the most valuable relationships of my life.
How do you react to comparisons between you and Vishal?
Frankly speaking, I don’t take them seriously. See, Vishal and I are very different people with similar sensibilities. And that’s the reason we have been enjoying each other’s company. Comparisons are obvious but I don’t get bothered.
What kind of cinema do you appreciate personally?
I told you, I am a film buff. I like most films, it’s just that I’m not an every Friday movie-goer.
Would your future films also have the old rustic feel of Omkara or Ishqiya?
See, my work reflects what I have seen in my life. I have lived in that kind of a setting (he’s from Faizabad, UP), so those movies reflected that. Now that I have been a part of the urban world, it might just inspire me. My only aim is to make unapologetic, unabashed and enjoyable cinema.
Which actors would you love to team up with in future?
There are so many of them. Acting has come a long way. We need to have more stars than just five-six. I think filmmakers should dig out fresh talent and make stars out of them to give a fresh turn to Indian cinema!
Follow us on Twitter for more stories