'Zinda' has been acclaimed by the critics and public both and is being said to be the first hit of 2006, and director Sanjay Gupta is smiling from ear to ear with the opening that the film has garnered so far. TWF correspondent Vickey Lalwani in conversation with Gupta

Q: How does it feel to have cracked the first jackpot of 2006?
A: Though I knew in my heart of hearts that 'Zinda' will do the trick for me, it's a different feeling altogether when it actually happens. Sanju and John have equally contributed to the film, and I am very happy with the reviews that the film has got in sections of the press.

Q: You have changed in style of film-making?
A: I have matured as a director. I have come of age (smiles). My work in Zinda is a clear reflection of how I have got the hang of being not only stylised in my approach, but how to tell a story and keep the audience at the edge of the seat. Touch wood (pauses).

Q: Go on...
A: Sanjay Dutt was quite sure that 'Zinda' will do well. I owe it to the team work put in by one and all who contributed in the making of this project. I am very happy with the collections in especially Mumbai, Delhi, Southern territories and overseas.

I am really surprised with the reports coming in from Punjab and Rajasthan, where there was some skepticism that the single screen audience may not take it very well. I think people want something different and this time I delivered to their demand.

Q: What about the section of the people who think that the film is a bit gruesome?
A: Yes, it is gruesome. But actually, that has gone down well in broad perspective. Majority of the people understood that it was an unconventional film and it required to be gruesome. I couldn't sugar-coat this film. A few trade pundits have expressed that 'Zinda' would have been better off if it had songs. I disagree. I will never compromise on my instinct and the demand of the script.

Q: John Abraham had reservations while mouthing the expletives used in the film?
A: Aisa hua tha (This did happen). John did have reservations in this aspect, thode bahut reservations usko abhi tak hain (he still has some reservations). He is a very fan-oriented person. I had to sit and talk to him.

Q: How do you justify the use of expletives?
A: In the film, the actors find themselves in desperate situations..Surely, you don't expect them to be polite and say ji, ji.

Q: Are you happy with the A certificate which the film has got?
A: I am glad that the film has not received cuts and I have been given an A certificate. I would like to tell the parents to be careful with their kids if they have a VCD or DVD of 'Zinda' in future at home. In fact, the censors loved the film and said that this was one of the best films they have seen. They said that I had a choice of removing the expletives and taking a U/A certificate, or keeping the expletives and taking an A certificate.

Q: Did you have a hard time managing Sanjay and John? Were there any ego clashes?
A: Not at all. The two of them got along very well and did a lot of rehearsals till late night. The output is always proportional to the input put. We had a blast shooting for this film. Everyone was extremely professional. Since we had tough deadlines, we worked at breakneck speed.

Q: Sanjay Dutt has been a constant fixture in all your films, barring the odd 'Hamesha' and 'Ram Shastra'?
A: We share a healthy friendship, on and off the sets. We share our joys and sorrows with each other. We never take each other for granted. We love and respect each other. But yes, I can't make a film without Sanju, just like Karan Johar can't make a film without Sha Rukh Khan.

Q: And what is that next one going to be?
A: At the moment, the next one is a big holiday. After that, I will start working on it.