Bigg Boss could have been a perfect platform through which you could directly connect with your audience. What stopped you from being a part of the upcoming season?
In Bigg Boss everyone is pitted against each other, they fight, argue and then you are also given tasks. They play with you mentally. I didn’t want to get stuck in that area. They give you some money but by the grace of Allah I don’t need much money. So, I thought why put me in a cage? Who likes being locked in a cage? Everyone likes a free life. It’s fun, you know.
You prefer not to deal with mental pressure?
There is no fun in being imprisoned (There is no fun in being imprisoned). I have been imprisoned in Aamir’s house once. I have no intention of being caged again. I want to be free and flow like water.
Salman Khan Would have been your ally in Bigg Boss. He knows you and could have taken care of you?
I am no longer a child, that someone needs to take care of me. Anyway, where did the career of whoever participated in Bigg Boss go? no where. Nothing is worth your freedom. I don’t want to do it just for the money. I earn my money from other sources.
I was offered some projects, which I declined because I was not getting my price. By the grace of God I am in a position where I can reject a project if it does not interest me or the amount being offered to me is not worth it. And how much money can you make? Where will you take that money? Money is important but it is not the only thing I choose to work for. I look at it from all angles. For example, in Bigg Boss if I have to trade my freedom for money then it is not worth it. Freedom is greater than wealth.
Actors are being blamed for their prices. The cost of the project goes up as the actors are asking for huge amount. What is your take on this?
As far as I am concerned, I do not charge in crores. And no one will even pay me. In the case of other actors, if their prices are making the projects over budget, it is not worth it. Secondly, the image of all the artists has suffered. His eyes have been exposed. Wrong deeds have come into limelight. They should first improve their image and also reduce their prices.
At the time of Laal Singh Chaddha’s release, Aamir Khan was criticized for a remark he made a few years back. Do you think his apologizing was right?
Yes, it was correct to apologize. Nobody knows everything in life. There is nothing wrong with apologizing and correcting yourself. After that you become a better person. He should have apologized soon after that thing came to light and not when his film was releasing. It sounds opportunistic. But if someone does not realize that they have hurt someone, then I am not aware of it. Because you don’t know when someone will get realization.
You are very forthright and speak frankly. What is your mother’s reaction to your candid talk?
My mother never said anything to me. He never said, ‘Why did you say anything?’. Why would anyone say anything if I am telling the truth?
Do you live in your family home or live separately?
I live in the family home in Bella Vista.
Your life has been a rollercoaster. Has anyone approached you to make a film on your life? Or do you want to tell your story someday?
I’ll tell my story someday. That day will come. I will bring it to life through a film or a web series.
Are you looking for more work?
I am meeting people for projects. After Factory (Faisal’s last release) I realized my potential as a director. I am meeting people for acting jobs, as well as writing scripts and trying to build projects. Hopefully, things will take shape.
Are you trying to get married and settle down?
Who would marry an old man like me? Maybe I can find someone my age. As I told you, last time we talked, I want to make some money first and settle down. Some things are looking promising and I am getting work around. Let’s focus on work first and then things will come to life.
Do you have any plans to remake your father Tahir Hussain’s films?
I have no plans to remake any of these films. Aamir has the rights of all those films.
Are you talking to Aamir or not?
Of course, I am talking to him on terms. We meet and greet each other on many occasions. But the thing is that she is so busy in her life and I am struggling in my busy life.
Have you seen Lal Singh Chaddha?
I saw it. Not immediately, but I saw it. I thought the film was good in some parts. I felt Aamir should have picked a better script, especially because he was coming out with a film after 4 years. I liked the film in some parts, but not completely. You expect them to do a great job with Aamir and other good actors. They should blow your mind. But unfortunately this did not happen with Lal Singh Chaddha. It’s “Whoa!” was not. Thin layer.
What do you have to say about boycotting Bollywood trends?
i think boycott Bollywood is a necessary movement. Because after the death of Sushant Singh Rajput, all the evils of Bollywood came to the fore. The world got to know about the dirty side of Bollywood. And how much arrogance is there in the industry. So, they are paying a price for it and they will continue to do so. The whole system has to be changed. Because only a few people were ruling Bollywood like dictators. this is not right. Creativity should flow. Anyone can be creative. You are trying to monopolize the whole business. It does not work that way.
I think this is a much needed movement. Right now, they are suffering, but after a few years there will be a change. The industry will take a new shape with the arrival of new people. And it is necessary. It is also like a rebellion because the industry has become so corrupt. Ninety percent of these are corrupt.
What do you understand by corrupt?
Corruption can be of many types. Like they don’t give opportunities. Theaters favor the stars. A new actor’s films do not get a screen to show his film. How can he prove himself? Theater owners are also like “Yeh bika raha hai toh humse sarare screens”. They should give a chance to the newcomers to showcase their talents. All types of films should have their quota of screens. Otherwise it is corruption. You are monopolizing. Then they abuse girls and now boys too. Why do you want to abuse your power? God is above all of us. The price will have to be paid.
Businessmen used to come with money thinking that they would make a good film with love and happiness. But these people cheated him. How many houses have been destroyed (so many people have been ruined). All this corruption works at different levels.
Do you think Bollywood stars should reduce their prices?
The star system has to be destroyed. Today all the big stars’ films have become flop. Where is their credibility? The era of superstars is over for now. Maybe after a few years a new superstar will emerge.
Apart from corruption, there is no commitment to work. You should have commitment towards your work. They don’t give time to their films. There is no penance (there is no surrender). Why do you still like old songs and movies? Because they put their time, effort and honesty into making a film. Nowadays movies and songs come and disappear. Because it’s a shortcut job. How will this industry run like this? The entire industry will have to pull up its socks and undergo a makeover.