“Sanjay Dutt has not invested any money in Angel” – Nilesh Sahay

By Devansh Patel -

February 10, 2011 - 12:53 PM IST

Nilesh Sahay sums up Angel in one word as emotiful = emotions and beautiful. But that's not what Angel is all about for Nilesh. It's much more than that. So when I meet Sanjay Dutt's nephew for this interview in Andheri, I wasn't surprised to see all the emotions, excitement and all the beautiful praises about his co-star Madalsa Sharma and his director Ganesh Acharya. But that's bound to happen considering that Angel is Nilesh's first film. He is on cloud nine and with a sound advice from his 'mama' Sanjay Dutt, he remains grounded. It was quite a co-incidence that in days when our films are all about Friday, Saturday and Sunday openings, Sahay was wearing a black tee with seven days of the week printed on it. He quotes, "I want to see days in our film industry that films run more than just the weekend collections". Well my friend Nilesh, we do hope it works more than just the days printed on your t-shirt. UK's Harrow Observer columnist and Bollywood Hungama's London correspondent meets the six foot something raring to go. Call him the knight in shining armour. He says, "Let's stick to Angel, that sounds better".

"Only Ganesh Acharya can make a film like Angel because of his sheer passion"

The hero of Angel is Ganesh Acharya. I was offered far bigger films than Angel. It's just that somewhere down the line, I was driven by passion. Angel was that passion. When I met Ganeshji, he gave me a narration and I was floored by his honesty and more importantly, his passion which reflected in Angel. With each narration, he went more and more into the subject. Ganesh Acharya doesn't look at his shooting script because he is crystal clear on what shot and what line is next. He is meticulous and only such people can make Angel.

"Angel will make you cry, Angel will make you laugh and Angel will make you fall in love"

Do not look at Angel as an epic love story. It's the audiences who make a story and a film an epic story or an epic film. When Andaz Apna Apna released, when Casablanca released, all these films were duds at the box office. When these films were released, they weren't epic comedies or love stories. Today they are because it touched you after years. Angel will make you cry, Angel will make you laugh and Angel will make you fall in love. Angel is about emotions.

"Madalsa is very competent and understands her craft"

Madalsa Sharma is a very talented girl. She is a competent actor and understands the craft. I think it is one of the most difficult roles for a debutant actress. She was the best choice and people have already started to take notice of her in the promos. Yes, the audiences are comparing Madalsa's acting from her promos, for starters, and that is great for any new comer. We never compared Madalsa's performance to that of Sridevi in Sadma or Hrithik's in Guzaarish.

“Sanjay Dutt has not invested any money in Angel” – Nilesh Sahay

"If I judged Ganeshji by his past work, I might be doing injustice to myself"

I haven't seen Ganesh Acharya's Swami but there was a reason for me not to watch it. Everybody comes with a new perspective on a subject. If I judged Ganeshji by his past work, I might be doing injustice to myself. I never wanted to see his critically acclaimed film as I never wanted to have any preconceived notions.

"Small films doing well in 2010 will definitely help Angel"

Small films doing well in 2010 will definitely help Angel. The film industry is like any other industry. If the business is profitable, it's good for the industry. If small films are doing well, it's good for lots of people. There will be more employment, more films and more investors. I want to see Indian cinema's Silver Jubilee days. They are missing in this fight of weekend grosses and so on.

"Ganesh hasn't choreographed any songs in Angel"

Ganesh Acharya being a choreographer didn't choreograph Angel. His assistants, Rahul and Sanjeev are making their debut with this film. Ganesh has progressed on to another level. He now wants to concentrate on direction.

"Sanjay Dutt has not invested any money in Angel. He has only invested his advice"

Sanjay Dutt isn't hoisting a flag of Angel and saying this is Nilesh Sahay's film, so please go watch it. Sanjay Dutt hasn't produced Angel, nor has he put in any money and nor is he doing any cameo in this film. As my family member, he has given me all the support I needed. All support came from him as my 'mama' and not a super star Sanjay Dutt. He told me to stay sincere to my work and stay focused. He showed me the way and I'll have to follow my own journey now. Sanju mama saw the promo while he was in the gym working out. He loved it.