'Arjun Kapoor is part of 'Tevar' because he suited the role, not because he is family'- Sanjay Kapoor

Sanjay Kapoor has turned producer for Tevar which stars Arjun Kapoor, Sonakshi Sinha and Manoj Bajpayee in the lead roles. Though the film is slated to release next year on January 9, it has already created great buzz. Apart from Tevar, the actor-turned-producer has one more reason to look forward to 2015. Vikas Bahl's much-awaited film Shaandar starring Sanjay alongside Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Pankaj Kapur will also hit the screens next year. We spoke at length to the actor-turned-producer about his film, Arjun and of course, Shaandar
Not only the poster, but the trailer and songs of Tevar have received a good response from the masses. Did you anticipate such kind of reaction?
Honestly, we were expecting a very positive feedback. But it has been overwhelming actually. You know everybody expects a good response whenever they are making a film or a poster design, kyun ki apna bachcha sabko pyaara hota hai. But when it actually happens, it's a different feeling. Tomorrow if the picture becomes a super hit or a blockbuster and if you ask me was I expecting, I would say yes. But it's just very overwhelming when it actually happens. So I guess all the hard work that we have done is really paying back.

As a producer, how much were you involved in the film-making process?

I was always present on the sets. I have not become a producer to just fund a film as such. Even as an actor, when I was doing movies with Boney, we would sit together and creatively get involved with Javed saab when he would write for us whether it is Mr India or Prem. We were always involved even when Shekhar Kapur or Satish Kaushik were directing. So obviously when I was doing a film myself, it wouldn't have been like I am just signing cheques and an online producer sitting on the sets. I have to be involved not just on the sets but even during a music sitting or a recce. So I was always there standing next to the director.

Tevar is coming together of you, Boney sir and Arjun. Were there times when you all sat down as a family and brainstorm about a particular scene on the sets?
It wasn't about family, that's what we would do otherwise as well. For example, as an actor, I recently did Shaandaar. This kind of brainstorming is done irrespective of the fact that you're family or not. When you are making a film, you become closer than a family also. So when I was there for 45 days, I became closer to Vikas, Shahid, Alia and Pankajji more than my family. Even during Tevar the same thing happened. What I am trying to say is even if it's not me, Boney and Arjun, it would have been the same with others actors. Yes, but we are family so there is lot of warmth and it's a great feeling when we are discussing something or even just eating dinner together. It's very emotional especially because Arjun is sensitive and very close to me. He has grown up in front of me so to see him work so hard, involved and focused, is an overwhelming feeling. Tevar will always be very special.

How has Arjun evolved as an actor because you have seen him onscreen and now worked with him as well?

He has been good in all the films that he has done. But I saw him really shooting for the first time, doing action and all. In fact, there was a scene where he had to stand on the edge of a place, at that time the chacha took over and I went away from there because I couldn't see him stand on an edge. The director is only trying to better the shot but with the naked eye you feel what difference does it make where he is standing. I thought it was better to move away because I just couldn't see him doing that. But as an actor, Arjun really surprised me. In Tevar, the kind of role he has got, it's all him. He is fantastic and he surprised me with his sincerity and hard work. I have seen him as a fat boy, so to see him do action and his body language was all outstanding. He looks believable and that's the main thing about Arjun.

Manoj Bajpayee is the playing the villain in Tevar. But at some point did you think you could have done the role as well since you have played grey characters in quite a few films…
I have always said this - I have not become a producer to push myself as an actor. I felt Manoj was the best choice and even Amit's (director Amit Sharma) first choice was Manoj. It never even crossed my mind that I should do the role, because we wanted to cast the right people for the right roles. Even Arjun is in the film not because he is my nephew but because he suited the role.

How was it working with Sonakshi Sinha?

It was really good. You know there was a phase when I used to stay with Anil. This was when I was training as an actor. Anil used to stay in Juhu and Sonakshi used to stay close by. I think she was Rhea's friend and I would see her. At that time, she must have been five or six years old, not that I am 400 years old! But I used to see her as a six-year- old child. I still remember when Maheep and I saw her all grown up for the first time at a friend's place, she had not signed Dabangg then. And when we sat in the car, Maheep said, 'I am surprised nobody is casting her.' When I saw her as grown-up girl, my first reaction was that she is just apt to be a heroine. Arjun and Sonakshi have never worked together before and they look good together, so Amit was very keen to cast her. Fortunately, she liked the role and said yes to the film.

Though South remakes have done well at the box office, there is a certain section which feels its done-to-death formula. As a producer how do you reassure yourself that it's worth it?
You bring onboard the right director. As a producer you get involved in it and make sure that you take the essence of the original film and then add your own flavour. Yes, I agree that it gets repetitive but then you tweak things around, you do the correct casting and make it look as authentic as possible.

Can you tell us about your role in Shaandaar because nobody knows much about it?

Nobody knows about any role. Everybody knows it's a destination wedding film and that's what even I will tell you. It's almost complete, we have two songs left and I will join the team soon. We have shot the film in Leeds and Poland. I am very happy to work with Vikas Bahl. He is a great director and I totally loved Queen. In fact, on my way back for the trailer launch, I saw Queen on flight for the second time and I liked it even more. I am fortunate that Shaandar came at a time when I had just finished shooting for Tevar. That's why I feel destiny plays a major part because if for any reason this film was made three months earlier, I wouldn't have been able to do it. God has been kind.

2015 indeed looks like your year…

I don't know that but it's definitely very important year for me. January 9, I have Tevar as a producer and in August, Shaandar as an actor.

Apart from Arjun, one person in your family who has tevarrific tevar?

I think my son Jahaan. I'll give you an example as to why. Last year, after a party, Shanaya and Jahaan were waiting downstairs for the car. So when they came out, all the photographers went clicking. Shanaya put her head down and walked towards the car but this bum has stood over there and posed… (Laughs)

Looks like he is going to enter films...

I think so too. Also, his choice of films is amazing. All the films that he likes turn out to be blockbusters. Fortunately, he has liked Tevar so I am happy (smiles). Somehow he just connects with some films. It's unbelievable.