There seems to be no end to director Dibakar Banerjee's troubles. Not just the blasts. But before that
living up to his ha-ha reputation as the guy who made the funny-funny money for Khosla Ka
Ghosla.
The producers clearly told him to deliver a comedy, although he wasn't in the mood for one.
Says the director, "If you're making film that doesn't feature A-listers you're advised to make a comedy,
that's a fact."
From Welcome to Dostana .....it's a prolonged season of comedies in Bollywood. And the Khosla Ka
Ghosla director was apparently asked to deliver another laughathon from his producers eventhough Oye
Lucky Lucky Oye was not really meant to be comedy.
"It has a lot of humour. But I'd be seriously offended if anyone called it a comedy.You're right. It's the
season of comedies. And when a director goes to producers with a project that doesn't star one of the
big stars he's asked to make a comedy. However my film may be pitched I hope audiences see it in the
right spirit."
Dibakar had a tough time writing this 'comedy.' Jaideep Sahni who played such a a big hand in making
Khosla Ka Ghosla what it was decided to write exclusively for Yashraj Films.
Dibakar had no option but to pen Oye Lucky himself with Urmi Javekar.
But there's no rancour about it. "Jaideep is doing well for himself at Yashraj. I wish him well. He must
direct a film soon."
There's also no bitterness about missing out on the National award. "I didn't get a National award for
Khosla Ka Ghosla. But the film did. So it was a triumph for the whole team."
Making Khosla was not easy for Dibakar. It had almst gone to the realm of the shelved when UTV
retrieved it.
"But I didn't see it as a struggle.It's because of my good friend Jaideep. He called me one day. I was a
normal yuppy admaker. Jaideep did all the struggling, not me. He got me the offer to direct Khosla Ka
Ghosla. It wasn't an easy film to package and pre-sell. In fact I'd say the producers and writer struggled
for me."
Today when Jaideep Sahni has moved to posher pastures it is natural for Dibakar to feel bereft.
Khosla Ka Ghosla took almost three years to be completed and released. "I'd say der aaye durust aaye.
Thank God Khosla released after the multiplex audiences was alert and ready."
Friday, December 05, 2008 11:19 IST