A still from Gulaab Gang

What prompted you to get into direction after doing masters in economics and doing journalism course?

I was in Delhi University and right after finishing my studies, I worked as a business journalist with a channel for five years. Then I relocated to Mumbai in 2006 and started working for a newspaper. While working there, I got a break to write the script for Anthony Kaun Hai. I was into theatre for long and people would love to listen when I narrated stories. So, I could not resist when the offer came and lapped it up. Films are the best medium through which you can tell a story the way you want to.

Did you have to struggle in Bollywood?

Struggle is a natural process. I was lucky that I got my first break while I was doing my job. After that, projects came to me on regular basis including Ru-Ba-Ru (2008), Meera Bai Not Out (2008) and Hum Tum aur Ghost (2010). But yes, I must say that everyone in the industry is not as lucky as me. Many have to wait for the right opportunity for years.

Rumour has it that Gulaab Gang has been inspired by Sampat Pal’s Gulabi Gang.

Gulaab Gang is about a girl Rajjo who wanted to go to school as a child, but was forced to stay at home. When she grows up, she runs an aashram where she educates women and teaches them to be strong and independent. The women in the aashram weave sari and make baskets for their livelihood. Her dream is to set up a school where women can get their basic education. She steps into politics and confronts an evil politician. Eventually, Rajjo turns her dream into reality. The movie depicts the undaunted spirit of a woman.

How did you manage to get the screen divas of the ’90s — Madhuri Dixit and Juhi Chawla — in same frame?

Madhuri ji was not in India when I first approached her for movie. Rakesh Nath, the then manager of Madhuriji helped getting an appointment with her. Madhuri ji is quite particular about the script and the characters. When I met her, she flooded me with questions like what you have done before, how experienced you are, what the story is about and more until she was satisfied. Getting Madhuriji in my first film was a huge thing and when I approached Juhiji she was happy to know that her contemporary Madhuriji, too, stars in it.

The supporting female actresses — Priyanka, Tannistha, Vinitha and Divya — look dusky in promos. Was it the demand of the script?

I like certain things about my country and believe in celebrating it. I love dusky tone and so I have used this natural tone in my cinema. It is my way to show my affection towards my country.

Why did you choose to make the women wear saris in the film? Does colour pink stand for feminism?

Rani Lakshmibai sari pehan ke jung ke maidan mein utri thi. Even sari is comfortable if you wear it right. None of my actresses ever complained about being uncomfortable in a sari even while performing stunts. I have used pink sari to depict strength, power and courage. Pink is now not just associated with babies. It is the colour of protest.

You scored the film’s music. Are you a trained musician or was it a decision out of possessiveness for your film?

I have been into classical vocals since I was eight-years-old and also played sarod. I was clear about what kind of music I want for the film. I did not want anyone to touch the music. For me, music is god.

Do you think the stories coming from rural backdrop and small cities are more realistic that urban or metros?

I don’t know whether rural or urban factor is behind a good script, but yes, real India resides amidst lush green fields, rivers and fountains and in mud houses. India is moving towards urbanisation, gradually Indore is becoming Mumbai and Mumbai is becoming Manhattan. But essence of real India is in the heartland. Gulaab Gang is a movie that allowed me to explore those regions.

You have used folk music in your film. Do you think films are the best medium to promote them?

I am a musician and have knowledge of Indian music. I agree on it that folk music is on the lines of extinction. Nowadays, it is becoming quite difficult to find a polished folk singer. However, lyricists like Amitabh Bhattacharya are trying their best to keep the essence of Indian music alive. I like folk music and there is no romantic song in my movie. Instead we have a song for inspiration, protest and political campaign. Madhuri ji along with Kaushiki Chakrabarty have sung a traditional kajiri. Hope, today’s generation loves the songs.

Do you think your movie will help in changing the condition of women in India?

I am here to make film, not an instrument of social change. But yes I can ensure that this film will lead to certain level of consciousness among women. This is what I can do through my films. The women should stand for the injustice.

After two million likes on the promos immediately after they got released, are you nervous now?

Mujhse jo karna tha maine kar diya. Agar logon ko pasand nahi aayi to haath jor kar maafi maang loonga. If you make a commercial movie you can’t be intellectual. The movie is all about injustice towards woman, inequality and women empowerment.

So is your Bengali factor behind your pro-woman attitude?

Perhaps the Bong factor is the reason behind my pro-woman attitude. My mother has control over everything and she does it perfectly. I wonder how she controlled a child like me, but she did a great job. I think women are superior to men.

What was your mother’s reaction on the film? Did she like it?

She is my mother, so she will like everything I do. She was here in Mumbai when I was shooting for my film. She never came on my sets. But when we launched our first single, she saw my photos and called me up to say that your hairline is receding!

If you given a chance will you remake a Satyajit Ray film?

I will never do that. I don’t believe in remaking films. If any film, which was made and has been forgotten, I would love to narrate it again through a new film. But remaking a hit film that has reached masses already, then you act as a translator. For me not watching Ray movie is all about living on earth and not seeing the sun and the moon. Remaking his movie is all about making Taj Mahal on cardboard. And you better know what happens with cardboard.

What is next?

I am making a biopic on great Indian magician P.C. Sorcar. Another biopic that I have completed is about my evergreen favourite Kishore Kumar, which will be directed by Anurag Basu and Ranbir Kapoor will play the role of Kishore Kumar.