Nagesh Kukunoor on his flop films with superstars, upcoming film 'Mod' and his favourite actress Ayesha Takia

Nagesh Kukunoor is hoping that his forthcoming film Mod will put him back on track.

The maker of critically-acclaimed films like Hyderabad Blues and Iqbal has had three box office duds in the recent past Bombay To Bangkok, 8x10 Tasveer and Aashayein. His other film, Hausla, has yet to see light of day.

Mod is a love story starring Kukunoor's favourite actress Ayesha Takia along with VJ Rannvijay. The film is also co-produced by his own banner Kukunoor Productions after Hyderabad Blues.

Before he left for Jaipur yesterday for the film's promotion, he spoke to HitList about why he thinks this film will be a turning point in his career and more...

Are you done working with big stars after what happened to your films with Akshay Kumar and John Abraham?
It is not that I had to change my sensibilities to work with a top star. Unfortunately, both Aashayein and Tasveer faced many other problems including legal wrangles. That affected both these projects. But in the future, if my script demands a big name, I will work with a big star.

Mod is a remake of a Vietnamese film Keeping Watch. Why look towards others for inspiration when you write scripts too?
When I saw this film, I found its storyline could be well adapted to Indian sensibilities. It was my kind of film; something that I could also make. I secured the rights and set it in Ooty.

Ayesha Takia features in your film yet again...
Ayesha Takia is one of the finest actors in the country today. She has worked with me in Dor and Tasveer.

Whenever I feel there is a meaty role, I cast her. After working with her in Dor, I realised her potential. I tend to repeat an actor after I get to know them.

And Rannvijay?
Rannvijay was cast through auditions. I only knew that he was a VJ; I saw his TV shows much later.

The way he appears in the film is in sharp contrast to what the audience has seen him in Roadies. In fact, he took me by surprise that he could do something so diverse.

Will Hausla ever see light of day?
I have no clue. It is with Percept, the producers.