Rumor Has it

Check out my interview with Vivek Agnihotri. Enjoy!

1) How did you know you wanted to be a director?
I was working in JWT, a leading ad agency. I was working on the launch of Maggi, a nestle brand. My first job was to supervise their commercial. Once I was in the studio I knew I had to make films. I did it only after spending another 12 years in advertising and getting utterly bored. But I was a prominent theatre director in my university.
2) When did you know you wanted to be in the Indian Film Industry?
I was making lots of commercials and also making one hour suspense shows for TV. I used to have this chip on my shoulder that filmy people were all rubbish. We always looked down at Indian film industry as advertising work was much superior than contemporary film work. Its only when I was making couple of tellyfilms I realized I needed a bigger canvas. That's when I realized its not about technique... its about storytelling, characters and dramatic part which is most challenging.
3) Is there any western actor you would like to work with?
I look up to Anthony Hopkins and Tom Hanks with immense admiration. They are my dreamcast.
4) Are there any habits on set that bother you?
Yeah, I don't like people smoking and running on the sets. I also don't like tired, sleepy and dull people.
5) Were you pleased with the outcome of goal?
Yes and no. I am very happy that it connected so well with the young kids so well. It entertained audiences all over and made lots of money for the producers but I'm bit disappointed with the critics for comparing it with Chak De.
6) How is it working with John Abraham? Bipasha? Arshad? and Boman?
All of them are good friends and have modern outlook so its easy to connect. But in this film I discovered Bipasha and Boman as great friends.
7) Can you tell me any memorable moments with any of the actors from Goal?
Most of the special memories are with Boman, a great prankster but a good man. We shot in very difficult weather. But Boman kept people on a roll.
8) Any memorable/funny moments on the sets in general?
In a shot John is showing off his body in a shower when Boman comes to instruct him for next match. Now, John would put some shining oil on his body to enhance his muscles. Boman was getting little frustrated so in the take he comes in and starts questioning John... so, you have a great body.... wanna watch better body.... and there he goes.... Boman took off all his clothes, literally. First, the entire set was stunned and then it burst out in a unstoppable laughter. We, eventually, had to call it a day.
9) Tell me a little about your production house.
I run Vivek Agnihotri Creates, which primarily produces ad films. This year we are producing our first feature film.
10) Tell me about your future projects.
I'm starting my next film for Anil Ambani's Reliance Entertainment. Its set in Somalia and is a journey of lost friends from Jammu to Africa. We roll in July.

John Abraham in a shower with oil all over him...my imagination is running wild. Until next time XoXo Reshma Dhawan