One wonders what Arbaaz Khan can be like. Actor, director, producer. Salman Khan’s brother, Malaika Arora Khan’s husband, scriptwriter Salim Khan’s son — known to be reticent, yet a producer-director of the boisterous Dabangg franchise. And it’s so difficult to tell, because he doesn’t seem to let his guard down.
In Bengaluru with actor Sonam Kapoor to promote his latest production, Dolly Ki Doli, which released yesterday, he’s a picture of crispy coolness as he sits back nonchalantly, looking out the window in his hotel room, as he talks. He makes sure to pause and ask if you know what he means! To see if you’re happy with his answer, eyebrows raised in almost school-teacherly fashion. He comes across as an astute producer who knows where he and his career are heading.
Excerpts from an interview:
After the large canvas of Dabangg, why did you decide to make a small film like Dolly Ki Doli?
I don’t think any film is small or big. Only budgets are small or big. A good film is one with a good budget. Of course having good music, costumes and the like add value. After Dabangg 2 , I was listening to scripts and ideas for me as a director, as well as for my production house. Among them, this script seemed novel and fresh. The characters seemed entertaining, and I felt that if woven together and presented well, it will be liked by the audience. If I had a script for a big star I would have gone to one. Now I’m ideating, getting writers on board. Of course, I like big films. It’s the kind of content and subject that makes you want to make it on that scale. A film like Kick , for instance; you can’t make it small. You need to identify content and performances.
Dolly Ki Doli got a U/A certificate. Are you happy with it?
Yes, I’m happy with it. There’s nothing wrong with getting a U/A certificate. These are rules for everybody to follow. The problem happens when rules are changed for different people.
My film is a drama with comedy. There’s no adult content at all. But I think the censor board is particular about dialogues. But common people use such language and speak that way (reels off some words and phrases). It’s not so taboo these days. Moreover, when you go to watch a film in a theatre, you choose to see a film. Censorship may be OK for showing a movie on TV where you are taking a film into people’s homes. Ideally we should be getting liberal about so many things today because we live in a global world. There should be greater freedom of expression.
You’ve been actor, director, producer – where does your heart lie?
I think I know I enjoyed my stint as an actor. And it has helped me become the kind of producer and director I am today. The experience I have gathered has helped me become adept at the kind of films I want to make. I will continue to act, though it may not be my priority.
I have enjoyed being producer — I’m open to giving young fresh talent a break. I have given three debutant directors, including myself, a chance (he pauses and smiles for effect) . We gave Sonakshi Sinha and Sonu Sood good breaks. Even singers and music directors — I have placed faith in first-timers. I like that. Apart from delivering a good film, if you can contribute to the industry by giving it new talent, it feels good.
One thing about Salman that you think makes him click
His honesty and connect with his audience. He’s not superficial. That’s just what he is. He’s sincere with his work.
Why does Malaika’s item number feature in every film you make? She’s your good luck charm?
I’m presuming she is! Every time she does a dance in my film, the film does well. It validates the theory. I don’t know how long it will continue. I’ve been accurate in my judgement of using her in my films, and hope to use her sparingly and wisely. You know what I mean?
What next?
Not decided that yet. The last one and a half years have gone in taking on this project. After a break, I will be doing Abbas Mustan’s next film. After a gap of 20 years I will be working with them; I’ll be playing an interesting comic role of a deaf don. You know I suppose that I made my debut as an actor with their film ( Daraar in 1996). They had created this image of the psycho, angry, threatening husband the last time around for me. Hopefully they will do something different for me this time.
