“Success of HTAG would be a redemption for Arshad and Me” – Dia Mirza

By Bollywood Hungama News Network -

March 24, 2010 - 6:03 PM IST

Dia Mirza is super confident about the prospects of her latest release Hum Tum Aur Ghost. Someone who is not known for making tall claims before the release of any and every film of hers, Dia's confidence (and hopes) comes with a reason. After all it would be four long years since the release of Alag (2006) that Dia would be seen as a solo lead and that too in a film which belongs to rom-com genre. Though she has worked in films like Acid Factory, Kurbaan, Kisaan, Jai Veeru, Krazzy 4, Cash, Shoot Out At Lokhandwala, Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd and Lage Raho Munnabhai in the interim, she was either one amongst half a dozen other characters in the film or was being seen in a special/guest appearance.

“Success of HTAG would be a redemption for Arshad and Me” – Dia Mirza

However, Hum Tum Aur Ghost is a film which could well be a major calling for Dia and bring her the kind of acclaim, recognition and success that she pretty much deserves right from the early days of Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein and Tumko Na Bhool Payenge. In a candid conversation with Joginder Tuteja, Dia Mirza talks about the reasons for her confidence in Hum Tum Aur Ghost and how the success of the film would be not just a professional but also personal achievement for both Arshad and herself.

I sincerely feel that it is me who has benefited out of working in Hum Tum Aur Ghost

In your near decade long career spanning three dozen odd films, there have been countless occasions where you have stepped into a project as a friend. Is Hum Tum Aur Ghost also one such film where your friendship with Arshad resulted in you signing the film?

On the contrary I sincerely feel that it is me who has benefited out of working in Hum Tum Aur Ghost. I think this is one of the remote instances where I have felt that as an actor, I have laid my hands on a great opportunity. (Laughs) Of course when it comes to remuneration, Arshad has the right to say that 'thoda kam kar do' and I can do that as well. However, beyond that working in this film has been an honest option.

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What really made you so excited about the film?

Because Arshad has written a great story. Also, he backed it up with an apt technical team. Whether it is music, cinematography, set design, costumes, and the works, there was no compromise whatsoever. I knew from the beginning that it would be a sound film for sure. I had this confidence that even if the end product would turn out to be half of what was put on paper, it would be great. Thankfully Hum Tum Aur Ghost has done beyond that, hence turning out to be a win-win situation for all of us.

You have been heard stating that the character of 'Gehna' that you play in the film is quite heart warming. How do you bring that aspect of a character on screen?

(Says promptly) By being what I am in real life. I believe that I have this inherent trait of being really warm and genuine to people and this is something that I have brought into this film as well. I guess this is a gift and I really acknowledge and cherish it. Moreover, I think that I am being equally loved as well, as I realize after doing smaller parts in bigger films and continuing to get all the love. This is something that assures me of all the warmth that I have got over the years.

Arshad's writing in the film has made sure that Gehna is quite endearing

And this is the warmth that spills on screen as well?

Exactly. My contribution to Hum Tum Aur Ghost has been enhanced due to this very facet of my personality. Arshad's writing in the film has made sure that Gehna is quite endearing. So even when she is fighting, people love her. The idea was to make Gehna as lovable as possible and that reflects on screen.

The saying is that a good film always works. However, when there is such huge competition like six movies in a single week and IPL also underway, doesn't it become too big a risk?

I have a belief and I will put it very simply - As an audience, there have been so many occasions when I have seen the promo of a film and decided there and then that whether I would want to see it or not. After that, whatever be the kind of marketing or promotion kick that film may see, it very seldom changes my opinion. I am a big believer in the saying that the first impression is the last impression. Now given the kind of response that the first look and promo of Hum Tum Aur Ghost got, I know for sure that there is a set of audience out there who have made up their mind to watch the film. Post that, destiny would come into play.

Well, but box office is a scary place after all...

Hum Tum Aur Ghost may not get an earth shattering opening but I am also sure that it would be respectable for sure. It is a safe film and already in a very positive zone. People want to go and watch a warm movie. These are the times when there is a dearth of happy and refreshing films and Hum Tum Aur Ghost fills in that space. Yes, I know that there are other films also releasing this Friday. One of them is Well Done Abba which has my dear friend Boman (Irani) as the central protagonist. I would really want it do well and meanwhile also hope and pray that Hum Tum Aur Ghost also turns out to be good. Honestly, I can't wait for the film to become a success because then it would be redemption for Arshad and me. It would prove yet again that if you have a good content, you can comfortably strike big and enjoy a home run.