Suneil Shetty speaks on 'Lakeer' 
By IndiaFM News Bureau, January 28, 2004 - 02:53 IST
This is choreographer Ahmed Khan's debut attempt at direction. So was that your reason for doing the film or the script was so strong or your role so enduring?
See first of all I said yes because Ahmed was a part of the film. Ahmed came to me with Vicky. Vicky is a great producer also. And when you have a good producer coming your way the first thing you say or mentally decide that Yes, I am going to do this film. Of course one might listen to the script and do that after. But then it is a combination of Ahmed and Vicky. And Ahmed is someone who has been immensely talented. Even as a choreographer, every song he did worked. Personally he has given the best of songs for me as in Paro (Shastra) and Sundara Sundara (Rakshak). So I was mentally prepared to say yes. And when I heard the script I was sure that I wanted to be a part of this film.
You have starred in many multi-starrers before. In Lakeer, is your character a little 'hatke'?
If I say 'hatke' people will comment that they say the same for all films. But the look and treatment that Ahmed has given to the character and the film is different. Script is of a commercial Hindi film. Sunny's brother Sohail and my brother John love the same girl – Nauheed. But it's the treatment that is different. It has emotions, very good music and at the same time extraordinary action.
A.R.Rahman has composed the music on the film. What do you have to say about it?
Well, Rahman is genius. He sat with the director and has given the music according to the script. So I think the combination is absolutely awesome. You listen to any of the songs and you will like it. At the same time what Ahmed has done, as a director, is that he has justified the taking of those songs. Remo and Umesh, who were assistants of Ahmed, have choreographed the songs. They are independent choreographers now and have done a brilliant job visually. And Rahman has executed the songs very well.
You have worked with both, newcomers and established stars. So how comfortable is it working with new and old stars?
I won't say old. I would say experienced. Youths have strong energy level and show zest for their work. They have a different outlook towards the script and character. So you get to learn from them too. And then with seniors you learn discipline. And in this generation gap if you are in the middle you get to learn from both ways. And I always have my eyes and ears open. So I am always learning. Even today I feel I have a lot to learn as far as acting goes in this industry.
On more attraction of the film is your Punjabi number. Last year it was Sharatta this time it is Nachley.
For me it's a high point for the song is picturized on me. Apart from that it's a part of the script. It flows with the story. Ahmed has choreographed it very well. At the same time when you see the song you will realize that the relationship between the two brothers have been established very strongly. So in the same song, tears will also roll down when people see that emotion. So it is a complete song for me.
So at the end, what is the major attraction of the film. Ahmed's direction, Suneil's new look, John and Sohail's youth charm or something else?
Teamwork! Scripting, photography, choreography, performances and things alike makes it a complete commercial film. Looking at the film you can definitely call it a hit film. But to be a hit many other factors are also responsible. Publicity, right release, right timing of release and awareness and from the producer's side everything is being done.
Ahmed has previously directed you just as a dance director and here he has directed the whole film. So what difference did you feel?
Ahmed is a very clear man. Me as an actor can sit and discuss with him. He might take suggestions but he is very clear about how the script should go. So you respect that. He has got a lot of experience. In choreography for a 5-minute song you take 500 songs. And for a two and a half-hour film, he has to execute it in the same way. He is someone who also knows a lot about content, script, dialogues, etc. If you ask him now about scene number 22 he will tell you the entire dialogues of the scene. He is breathing the script.
Does your character have some gray shades in the film?
No, not at all! In fact, none are gray shade characters. All are fighting for their rights. It's a part of human nature.
What does the title 'Lakeer' signify?
We are talking about the 'Pyar ki Lakeer' over here. X doesn't want Y to cross, Y doesn't want X to cross the Lakeer (line).
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Ahmed Khan speaks on 'Lakeer'
