For Sajid Nadiadwala, the Bollywood-Hollywood collaboration on his latest film Kambakth Ishq is no longer a business deal. Post 26/11, the premiere of his new film has become a show of strength for Sajid Nadiadwala
as an Indian more than a producer. Invitations have been sent out to Stallone, Brandon Routh and Denise Richards. And Sajid will make sure they attend the premiere on May 28.
"It's a do or die thing for me after 26/11. I don't feel like a Bollywood producer at the moment. I'm reacting as an Indian, " says the producer emotionally.
"Let's just say I want my Hollywood team to come and
erase 26/11 from Mumbai's tourist map."
"I'm going to leave no stone unturned to make sure Sly Stallone and others go back with only the fondest memories of Mumbai.
If six months back I had laid out the red carpet for the Hollywood members of
the cast, now I'm putting my entire production machinery and powers of hospitality on the block. The Kambhakth Ishq premiere is not about our entertainment industry any more.
It's about Mumbai and India. I
want Hollywood to come to Mumbai and taste our hospitality. Nothing has changed in the country. We're still as warm and welcoming as we used to be."
Continues Sajid, "Kambhakth Ishq ceased to be just an exciting business venture after what happened to Mumbai in November.
Suddenly all of us have become more sensitized. We need to prove a point to
the world and to ourselves...I realize there's a black mark against Mumbai's name on the tourist map after 26/11. We will erase it.
And to do that we need to invite the outside world to come to Mumbai and
see that Mumbai is safe. I promise you, Stallone won't go back with any apprehensions about our city."
Friday, January 16, 2009 11:58 IST