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Now this is a real coincidence. Rumi Jaffery's directorial debut GOD TUSSI GREAT HO had released on 15th August
last year, while his second outing, LIFE PARTNER, is slated for release on 14th August this year.
Also, last
year, GOD TUSSI GREAT HO was pitted against BACHNA AE HASEENO (Ranbir Kapoor), while LIFE PARTNER will
come face to face with KAMINEY (a Kapur again, this time Shahid). Quite a coincidence, isn't it?
"No, I am not into numerology, " Rumi corrects me, "If you recall, LIFE PARTNER was scheduled to release in May, but
the producers versus multiplexes strike forced us to shift our film to a latter date.
It wasn't intentional (of
releasing in August), it just happened. As for clashing with another biggie this year, let me add that both KAMINEY and
LIFE PARTNER are diverse in terms of content. Both can co-exist."
Rumi doesn't deny that he has to get it right this time. "If your first film doesn't work for whatever reasons, you've this
additional responsibility on your shoulders to get it right the second time.
This time, I am very, very confident of
my product. There has been no delay in completing the film. Plus, the subject is the type that holds universal
appeal.
It's for those who believe in arranged marriages (Tusshar - Prachi Desai), it's for those who believe in
love marriages (Fardeen Khan - Genelia D'Souza), it's for those who don't believe in the institution of marriage (Govinda -
Amrita Rao), " Rumi states.
Not many are aware that the role essayed by Govinda was initially offered to Akshay Kumar.
Everything was
finalized, but the schedule of 8 x 10 TASVEER went haywire and Akshay had to allot additional dates to the film,
pushing several films out of gear.
LIFE PARTNER also got affected in the process. "Govinda graciously stepped
into the project. He loved the script, allotted dates instantly and was co-operation personified throughout the making of
the film, " Rumi says.
LIFE PARTNER marks the debut of Abbas-Mustan in the production arena. "They've been wonderful. Since they're
directors themselves, they ensured that I got complete creative freedom when I started filming.
Even when I told
them that we'd take Hussainbhai's services to edit the film (Abbas-Mustan's brother, who edits their films), they told me
that I shouldn't, because that would compel people to believe that they (Abbas-Mustan) have ghost-directed the film. That
only shows how distinguished they are, " Rumi says.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009 13:15 IST