“Kareena’s USP is that she is Karisma’s sister. And she knows it!”-Dharmesh Darshan

By Bollywood Hungama -

January 1, 2009 - 12:00 AM IST

He re-wrote Karisma's career with Raja Hindustani, discovered Akshay for Bollywood and gave Shilpa Shetty's career an upswing with Dhadkan. While Bollywood awaits to see if the man with the Midas touch can repeat his magic with Kareena, right now Bewafaa is the only thing that interests Dharmesh Darshan. The director talks to IndiaFM about Bebo, Bewafaa and big cinema extravaganza that he will never give up on

Dharmesh, how do you interpret cinema?
Cinema to me is music. I think in terms of music. And songs in Bewafaa too have a multi-varied emotion. The best thing about Indian music is that there is a note to suit every mood.

Would you agree if I said Bewafaa is a film bold in thought?
Absolutely! Bewafaa is a film bold in thought but not in treatment. And by being bold, don't read shameless. We as a society are becoming more understanding and accepting of human vulnerabilities. And Bewafaa echoes that thought. I think it is time that we become bold and come into the open about things.

Do you think media has gone overboard about Kareena's bareback scene?
You bet! Its just one shot. And it isn't like it's in a garden or something. It's a bathroom shot and for heaven sakes, a girl is going to be bare in a shower!

What inspires your celluloid women?
I try to reflect the girl of the time through my female protagonists. Using cinema as a medium I try to mirror her beliefs, dilemma, hopes and dreams.

Your protagonist Anjali is caught between being a dutiful wife and an impulsive lover. How was it to create such a character?
Tricky! More so because I am portraying a woman at the center of conflict. The challenge was to create the conflict and then capture it with extreme sensitivity on screen The dilemma of the character had to come through with complete conviction.

The beauty, the ugliness everything is there for people to experience and soak. Bewafaa is not here to sermonize. People don't need bhashan. However what they need is empathy. Bewafaa empathizes with people. And I am doing all this on popular cinema reaching out to scores of people.

What is it that you think makes Kareena among the topline actors today? Her USP as an actor
Kareena's USP is that she is Karisma's sister! Karisma worked so hard and rose so high in the ranks that when Kareena came in, she got it all on a platter. Kareena's unique selling point is that she is a Kapoor! And she knows it.

You have implicit belief in Akshay Kumar. Jaanwar & Dhadkan rewrote his career. Explain your chemistry with him?
You are right, I just believe in Akshay Kumar the actor. I saw a very good-looking man with a wholesome persona in Akshay. He has the appeal to be an ideal husband, lover, brother, son. A perfection that is unreal, I see that in Akshay. That's how we started out. In Bewafaa, his character is that of a dream lover. You'll love him as the Indian born Canadian musician, Raja.

You have Sush for a cameo. How did you get her to do it?
Sush is a dream to work with. I didn't have to convince her, the script did that. And trust me, she is the warmest person you can ever come across. I didn't want a hot-sexy Sush. She is a sensitive and graceful Aarti in Bewafaa.

Bewafaa has Manoj and Shamita in amusing roles. How did you zero on them?
Yeah, they play a rich, loud, flamboyant couple. I wanted to retire Manoj off his serious baggage and see him in a colorful, noisy and naughty avatar. Dil is a popular character. While Shamita with her sexy and fit self balances the glamour quotient as Pallavi. They are great fun to watch!

Any differences you had with Boney?
Difference is a severe word. Yes, we did have some hiccups but they are buried along the film.

Boney tell us that 'Bewafaa is one film that will bail me out of my lull'. How do you react to this remark?
It's extremely heartening to know the kind of faith he has invested in me. And I have labored to deliver the best for the film.

The music has hit bullseye once again. What is the one sure shot thing that you wanted for Bewafaa?
Melody! I can't let go off that.

The film looks extremely scenic. Where in Canada did you shoot?
We shot in Montreal and Quebec while in Canada. Bollywood has never ever trained its lens into these places. It's a first. While the portions in India are completely Delhi dominated.

How satisfying was the process?
Very! I am extremely happy with the way the film has shaped up. Hope the audiences agree too.

What is the one thing that people will carry home from Bewafaa?
I am sure people will take home the characters.

You present your women with great aura and dignity. Give me one thing that equals the beauty of a woman?
God!