“People do not appreciate their own work. But I can’t seem to decide which movie of mine is better” – Priyadarshan 

By IndiaFM News Bureau, November 1, 2005 - 12:55 IST

This Diwali will witness a dhamakedar clash at the B.O. And there are no two titans, but a case of Priyadarshan v/s Priyadarshan with Garam Masala and Kyon Ki respectively. That itself is reason enough for this director to be all over the news. Over to Mr. Priyadarshan, on what makes this festive season special…

Two of your movies, Garam Masala and Kyon Ki will hit theatres on the same day. That sure is something to talk about. What are you feeling right now?
To be honest, I am not enjoying so much! But fortunately, I have made two very different kinds of films. So I think, both will be accepted. Both the films are extremely different and equally enjoyable. Many a times, people do not appreciate their own work. But here I can’t seem to decide which one is better.

John has earlier been seen only in ‘intense’ roles. What made you cast him in a comic role in Garam Masala?
When I made Hera Pheri with Akshay Kumar and Sunil Shetty, everyone asked me the same thing. Both were known for their action roles and everyone was surprised how I could cast them in comic roles. I would give the same answer to your question. His look fitted the role perfectly and the rest is my hard work.

What is your take on Akshay and John’s onscreen chemistry?
They are two very good looking boys! Akshay, of course is much more experienced, but their vibe together onscreen is very good. I think they look good together. That was my main intention of having the both of them together.

Garam Masala will see the debut of three new actresses – Nargis, Daisy and Neetu. How would you rate their acting skills?
Actually, all three of them are catalysts in this film. They only help the situation. The film mainly revolves around Akshay, John and Paresh Rawal. The main intention of having the three heroines is glamour.

Coming to Paresh Rawal, he seems to be quite a favorite of yours. He has been in most of your recent movies. What does he have to offer the audience this time?
Paresh plays a very important character in the film. I would say that he is like a pillar who supports Akshay and John. His character is nothing like you have seen him in my films before. He has a different attitude in the film and has performed differently as well.

Rimmi Sen will be seen in Garam Masala and Kyon Ki. Is she your lucky charm?
Not only mine! Baghban was also a big hit. She is supposed to be a lucky girl. I’ll decide for sure if she is lucky or not after these two films!

Which is your favorite comedy film?
There are a lot! Those haven’t been made in Hindi yet. I have kept it for my stock. When things go wrong, I’ll make those!

You are tagged as the ‘King of Comedy.’ Are you a jovial person in real life as well?
I don’t like being called the King of Comedy. But basically, I enjoy humor a lot, since the time I was a child. I enjoyed watching Charlie Chaplin and Laurel and Hardy. My favorite heroes are Tom and Jerry! I can watch any amount of those cartoons! My inspiration of slapstick is also them. This is my only quality I want my children to inherit. I think having a good sense of humor, makes a person live longer. Like they say, laughter is the best medicine.

What is garam about this movie?
The film is spicy but yet, at the same time, you can watch it with your parents. There is no vulgarity in the film. I don’t believe in vulgarity.

As a parting note, do you have any specific plans to celebrate Diwali?
I will decide on 2nd November!

Priyadarshan mutes Kareena!