“Bachke Rehna Re Baba from these two fabulously dangerous women!” 
By IndiaFM News Bureau, June 15, 2005 - 01:15 IST
Two years back, a 'who's-he?' director cast a Haryanvi in his debut. While the biggies around drowned, Khwahish turned out to be the fortune cookie for the Malayali from Uncle Sam's country. The flick with its 17 smooches was a certified hit, a film that gifted the two, careers, faces and names.
Circa 2005, they are still working together. Just that they are now addressed as director Govind Menon and Bollywood bombshell, Mallika Sherawat. A surprise hit, followed by a dud and now a release at the stand, Govind Menon talks to IndiaFM all things about the chick flick that make you want to scream, Bach Ke Rehna Re Baba!
Did the 'no-show' of Kis Kis Ki Kismat somewhere shake your faith in Bachke Rehna Re Baba?
Not at all, Kis Kis… was a different film. I accept that people somewhere didn't like the plot and so rejected it. That is not to say that Bachke… will follow the same fate. I have moved on. I don't believe that Kis Kis Ki Kismat is my last flop, but neither do I believe Khwahish is going to be my last hit!
Interesting, so you look at every film as a new journey…
Absolutely!
So, inspired, copied or ripped; how much of Hearbreakers do we see in BRRB?
That you'll have see and tell. But let me tell you that we live in times of 'plagiarize or die'.
So it's once again 'Holly meets Bolly', huh?
(Smiles) Art isn't original anymore.
You are conveniently excusing yourself …
Okay, on a more serious note, it's sad but most people of the industry don't know to read a script, they can't tell a movie from the narrative. So you need to show them a reference point for them to understand what the film is all about. It's pathetic but that's how things stand.
Besides I need to be the producer-director to make films with original ideas. For all practical reasons, that would take a little while, so instead of waiting for the wonder day to dawn, I might as well make the most of what comes my way. And lets not undermine Bachke… the film itself is a first in Bollywood. Where else have you seen a chick flick?
But when we talk women flicks, people usually associate it with weepies. Either it is about heroines being up in arms with their 'belans' or they are a battered, bruised lot…
True, they are either crusaders or victims. But here you will find two women conning their way though rich men. They seduce, loot and abandon men. They are the victims, so our film is not a very nice place for men to be in.
Let's talk about the two chicks in the film, how was it to work with the duo?
Both Rekha and Mallika are intelligent and talented women. They like to that extra mile to bring their characters to life. There is this spirit of competition to their work, which they use to better their work. Besides they are very strong-headed women.
Strong people come with stronger egos…
Can't deny
When you have a diva and a bombshell, there is beauty…and there is battle too. How did you manage the sparks?
Well, like I told you, they are intelligent people. They did have their differences but that's the same with all creative people. The point is that they realize that 'You don't win as a person, you win as a team'.
You are telling me that there was no clash?
Even if there was, it was kept put of my sight.
Or you turned a blind eye to it…
(Laughs) That is likely too…
So did you have to convince Rekha for the role or the script did that for you?
She liked what she read and asked us to get back to her with a bound script. Once she ran through that, she gave us the go-ahead. Besides, I share a great chemistry with her. The lady is so sure of her job.
Most of her comebacks have made caricatures out of her. What do you think you have done different?
I remember her saying that she hadn't played so many characters in a single film, so I guess she kind of liked that.
What about your heroine of three films, Mallika?
Well, she has grown with every film. The rough edges are now better toned. Her meteoric rise is for everyone to see. In a matter of few films, she has an international voice. When you are on the cover of Times, it's safe to say that you have arrived.
You have yet again used a newcomer?
Yeah and let me assure you that Karan has done a great job.
You said the same about Siddharth when you introduced him in Kis Kis Ki Kismat?
See the guys have less to do in my films as compared to the women. Considering that, I think both Siddharth & Karan have done a good job.
Do you pick actors to suit your scripts or pockets?
Pockets! I would say most definitely. Any filmmaker who says otherwise is clearly bull****ing you. It's the budget that decides the actors. I can't get an Ash for Rupees ten, can I?
So does he have a role at all or is a prop…
Sorry to disappoint but yes he does have a neat role, he plays the lead role opposite Mallika. And know what at second thought; it isn't that bad an idea to play second fiddle. What happens with most newcomers is that when they come in they are fresh & inexperienced, so when they try to shoulder the film, they fall flat and their career goes into a limbo. But in Karan's case, even if he manages to stay afloat with talents like Rekha, Satish, Paresh & Mallika, he has a career awaiting him.
You mean it is better to come in at the middle order rather than be the opening batsman
Exactly!
You mentioned Satish & Paresh, what are your work vibes like?
Tremendous! They are the biggest comic talents Bollywood has. Their timing I must say is fabulous. Actually, Satish happens to be my friend in Bollywood. I get along famously with him.
That brings me to the humor of the film, what would you say is the flavor?
The humor in Bachke… is very in-your-face, very cocky! The film like its women is very wicked!
What is the one word that comes to your mind when I say Rekha…
Rekha is like vintage wine, she just gets better and better with age!
And Mallika…
Mallika is like a Punjabi mirchi…smoking hot!
Finally, you would say Bachke Rehna Re Baba to…?
Bachke Rehna Re Baba from these two fabulously dangerous women!
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