Excerpts from the conversation:
In a recent interview, Mr. Subhash Ghai (producer of ‘Ram Lakhan’) reminisced about ‘Ram Lakhan’ and revealed that he didn’t have the script ready when he started shooting for it…
Well, he was a master of the game. He still is. So what if he didn’t have the script? I just followed him – act as you said, did it.
Have You Seen His Latest ’36 Farmhouse?
No, but I will. I want to see it with him at my farmhouse (in Lonavala). And, I’ll ask him why he didn’t put me in it (laughs).
Do you remember the moment when ‘Ram Lakhan’ was offered to you for the first time?
It was inevitable that I would do a film with Subhashji every year. So, that was one of those things. And, when Subhash ji asked me to do a film, I didn’t question. I guess when I started ‘Ram Lakhan’ all I knew was that it is a story of two brothers.
Some people think that ‘Ram Lakhan’ Mr. GhaiBest work of But there’s a strong school of thought that it’Debt, your on this?
To be honest, Subhash Ghai’s films should not be judged in any order of preference. They were all wholesome entertainments, which are repeated even today. From Kalicharan to all his films, everything was there – comedy, emotion, tune, dialogue… What was not?
You and your leading lady ‘Ram Lakhan’ – Dimple Kapadia – share a great bond of respect till date…
We share a great bond of respect since the days of ‘Allah Rakha’ (1986). Dimple ji was an icon from her first film (‘Bobby’). It was a big deal for me to work with him. I never dreamed that one day I would sing songs with him and do film scenes. As far as Dimpleji is concerned, what stands out to me is how he treated his juniors. Mind you, I was nobody then and she was either ‘Dimple Ma’am’ or ‘The Dimple Kapadia’.
Apart from ‘Ram Lakhan’, you and Anil Kapoor spread magic on the screen in many other films.
Anil and I had a very special friendship, but still one. I have great respect and affection for him and his family. My relationship with him can be defined in two words: ‘No malice’.
As far as my early memories with him go, all I remember is that he came to the Nepean Sea Road to meet Sunita (Who is his wife today). We used to hang out together; I used to go there on bikes with my friends and he would sometimes join in. Once, he took my trousers when he was donein’torch,
I never had an ego, and neither do I now. I never cared whether I got top billing or what other actors did in the credits title. I never cared how long my role is. Not only with Anil, it also applies to those I have worked with. Anil is my elder brother in real life and often younger brother in reel life.
In the same interview I mentioned earlier, Mr. Ghai touched on a point that today’s heroes shy away from 2 or 3-hero films (though not in these exact words). Why is this happening?
Well, we saw Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn and Ranveer singh In ‘sooryavanshi‘ Recently, right? Then those days will return. Wait and see.
Mr. Ghai’s music was always a treat…
Well, he’s coming back. He has put his foot back in the industry and I am sure you will see many more.
Why don’t today’s movies have such good music?
It is all a matter of changing times. There is music around us which may not be liked by anyone. But that’s no yardstick to decide that today’s music is bad.
If ‘Ram Lakhan’ gets a remake, who would you like to see as Ram and Lakhan?
Well, if it is made, it should be made with me and Anil. We haven’t changed!
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