Rajkumar Santoshi discusses his daughter’s acting in his movie

• Rajkumar Santoshi’s daughter Tanisha auditioned for a role in Gandhi Aur Godse Ek Yudh.
• Rajkumar said he did not want to cast her but was later convinced by her audition.
• She plays an interesting part that has scope for good drama.

Tanisha Santoshi persisted in going to an audition, which persuaded director Rajkumar Santoshi to cast her in his newest film, Gandhi Aur Godse Ek Yudh, despite his initial reluctance. Rajkumar Santoshi speaks on Tanisha’s debut, Gandhi Aur Godse Ek Yudh, the Battle of Saragarhi, and other topics.

When asked if the movie would be his way of promoting his daughter Tanisha Santoshi, Rajkumar responded, “That is not the appropriate language; I am not launching her. (She’s making her entrance.) Yes. Gandhi and Godse are the stars and center of attention of the movie, which is focused on their ideals. She is not even depicted on any of the posters if you look closely. She has a compelling role with room for terrific drama.

He added, “In fact, when she asked to be a part of the film, I wanted to avoid it. I did not like the idea of directing my daughter on sets, I did not have the patience. Lekin wo zid kar gai, usne kaha ek mauka diya jaaye chahe audition lelo (She insisted she should be given a chance, and wanted to give an audition). Then I was like ‘ok’. I am happy that a girl from her generation wanted to be part of a film like this one. Girls her age want to work with big heroes and do the song-and-dance routine. They are rarely interested in de-glam roles such as hers in the film. This is a serious subject and even she believed it is one that must be talked about, she just wanted to be a part of this important subject.”

Asked if there is a film from his own filmography that he would like to remake or make a sequel from, Rajkumar said, “I do not believe in sequel or remakes. Once it is made, it is done with. Maybe, if I find a story like for example, Mahabharata, that cannot be done in three hours. So, it will be in parts. Other than that, there is nothing like sequel. People often ask me to remake Andaz Apna Apna but I tell them ‘I cannot remake it. I can make another film in the same genre maybe, but it won’t be Andaz Apna Apna.”

He added, “Two young male stars with two young female stars. I have even talked to stars and they have told me that they wish to do a film like Andaz Apna Apna. I have worked on the subject and the title I have kept is Ada Apni Apni. In fact, I will announce the film by the year-end. People keep talking about Andaz Apna Apna remake, but I am done with it. I am making Ada Apni Apni. Maybe it will be better than Andaz Apna Apna, I do not want to make Andaz Apna Apna a benchmark.”

andhi Aur Godse Ek Yudh is Rajkumar’s directorial venture after 10 years – his last outing was Phata Poster Nikla Hero in 2013. Asked about returning to direction after a long time, the filmmaker said, “I tried to make a film – Battle of Saragarhi – but that could not be completed due to some reason. In fact, we worked hard on it for two and half or three years. We spent a lot of money as well as time but (it had to be stopped). I will make that film next year. I have (a lot of love) for Sikhs and it is an important story.”

Elaborating on why he decided to make a film about Gandhi and Godse, Rajkumar said, “I was working on another play by Asgar Wajahat sir and he gave me [email protected] to read. I found it cinema worthy, though he did not. I think Godse had shared his reason, why he killed Gandhi.”

“And his voice was muffled. In fact, it was only a few years ago that (the book that states Godse’s court statement) was legally available in the country. I think that was wrong. Likewise, there have many allegations on Mahatma Gandhi and he has not clarified many of those. I hope people can understand both Gandhi and Godse better after watching my film. Just like Gandhi I advocate debates and discussions. Maybe people can discuss, debate and then come to the correct conclusion after watching my film,” he added.

The filmmaker also said that he was conscious that the film must not take either side of the debate and present it as fair on both sides. “We were very conscious of not hurting anyone’s sentiments. Even while writing scenes, we (Asgar and Rajkumar) used to check each other and correct if it was getting biased towards one side…we did not want to take one side and I think we succeeded.”

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