Q: You started with Balaji Telefilms and ended working with the Bhatt camp? How was the journey?

Yeah! Kuch Toh Hai is my half-finished film. I was very much depressed as I had to quit the film before it was complete, because I could not tolerate Ekta Kapoor’s interference. I was sure that the strings of the story would get loose, hence left with no choice, I decided to part ways. Contrary to this, I began on a positive note with the Bhatt banner. My first film with them was Murder and guess what Bhatt Saab did not question me even once after the shooting started. It was only during the scripting stage that he wanted to know what I was putting on paper. I got total independence after Bhatt Saab heard the narration and he was so very impressed that he allowed me to execute it the way I wanted.

Q: What have you made Emraan Hashmi do other than kissing (underwater)?

(Laughs) Emraan is totally a different man in real life ? he is a simpleton as any commoner. He is also very loyal to his peers. You will be surprised to see him showcasing his real self onscreen ? a next-door neighbour. Now whether he has also maintained his image of a serial kisser is something you have to wait and watch. Apart from this tag of ‘Kiss-Stealer’ he has a highly intriguing character that tries to maintain the true meaning of relationship. It’s an original story that has been scripted by me, after painstaking moments of bringing the true sense of human relationship and the bondage that each one shares in different relations.

Q: Despite your famous film, Murder, you did not get appreciation; instead Mallika stole the show.

Not at all! I can’t be compared with an actor. After Murder, a new trend was set in the industry. with more makers of small-budget films, in fact a new vista was opened for them. They can make a successful entry on the silver screen with new starcasts and small money, but yes, the script has to be up to the mark. Nowadays you cannot fool the audiences. I am happy I have passed with flying colours from my very first film, Murder, as I don’t consider Kuch Toh Hai my first film. After all nothing succeeds like success.

Q: The Bollywood industry today is deep in troubled waters. What do you think is the reason for this depression?

In one word I would say ‘interference’. Nowadays, there is multiple pressure on the makers, from the producers and even the distributors, without considering the plight of the directors. Everyone wants them to pull out the best leaf from their tree. Nobody realises they are also human and can tend to be vulnerable in the light of over-expectations. In the bargain they are unable to deliver to their potential and the result is cheap quality film.

Q: Finally what message is imparted through Gangster?

The story professes the universal truth, love and its success. That is the only one thing that keeps human beings going. In this jet age, life survives only on SMS and one negative SMS can dishearten a person. In fact, every being at one point of time feels lonely and a ray of light that discovers love for you is enough for survival. (Sampurn)