Destined To Be A Director: Arbaaz Khan

You have become the director with "Dabangg 2", congrats, but you've taken this place by cutting Abhinav Kashyap?

I dreamed of becoming a director, when I was 19-year-old. Few of the people know that I've assisted Bhatt sahab in "Jurm" and "Kabza". I've done acting by watching Salman Khan, and did 40 films, but I had a thought in my mind that I would become a director one day. "Dabangg" is the idea of Abhinav, and I give all the credit to him. He also gave the idea of "Dabangg 2", and we were having meetings for that, but Abhinav messaged me that he can't do this film. I didn't ask him about this, and gave him relief.  I realized that I've been given an opportunity to become a director. Salman told me that I'm the only one who has been close to this project after Abhinav. Salman knew about my wish to become a director. We started shooting in March, and he told me that If he didn't cancel the shoot, so the film will be released on Christmas. We had shot for 100 days, and according to Salman's promise, we release it on Christmas.

Are you hurt about Abhinav's refusal?

I say it truthfully that I don't really know the reason, why did he leave the film? If you're hurt, so you can't keep up your profession. Abhinav's refusal gave me strength to make this possible.

You and Abhinav had a meeting recently, did you discuss about "Dabangg"?

We have always been had 'talking terms', and we have seen each other many time before this. Abhinav said, "What if I didn't do "Dabangg 2", I'll do "Dabangg 3" and "Dabangg 4" instead. Though, these projects have no concern yet, so what do i say about it.

Mostly, heroin is changed in sequels, but you didn't change, why?

It depends on your story and format of film. I think that Chulbul Pandey's  family has gone into people's mind after "Dabangg". That's why, we couldn't make it without his family.

It had already been confirmed that "Dabangg 2" will cross Rs. 200 crore by the "trade pandits"?

Anyone can say, after seeing Salman's strength in the film industry. Reaching Rs. 100 crore isn't a big deal now, so Rs. 200 crore has become an easy task.

How much involve Salman was in the making of "Dabangg"?

Salman is a big actor, and he has much experience about film making. I'm happy that Salman took part in the making of film,as being an elder brother. According to me, Salman's one suggestion worth 10 lac, and I've obtained it with no cost.

How do Salman rate you as a director?

Salman didn't say anything throughout the shooting, about the shoot. Salman can easily guide any director, but he didn't complain to me on anything. It means that he has passed me as a director.

Explain yourself as a director?

It is important for a director to take the right decision. A director will reach it path when casting, story, costume, crew member and other setting will be performed superbly. Many well story films couldn't make it on the box office, because it had a mistake in casting or set. I give all the freedom to my actors, to feel the scene the way they want, and perform it to the camera. I learnt it while assisting Bhatt sahab.

How would you describe Salman Khan, as a director?

He's a strong, clever and sophisticated actor. Salman knows it audience and camera angle very well. A director must know that Salman doesn't like to get up early in the morning. So, a director who starts his film's shooting at 6 a.m can't hire Salman Khan. If you can't adjust Salman's timing, so you can't work with him, and If a shoot has to be shot at 7 a.m, so Salman will spend his night in the vanity van, because he knows that he wouldn't be able to get on the shoot at 7 a.m at home.

Salman Khan is one and a half year elder than you, did Salman's super star status ever bug you?

Salman became a hero when he was 24, and he has spent 24 years in the film industry, as an actor. We have all grown up in a same house. For me, Salman is my that brother, who used to snatched bicycle from me. He liked to wear my jeans, and he mostly punctured my bicycle's tube. On the other side, I respect my brother's fame and respect in film industry. I'm proud of him. I call him by his name, not by calling him "Bhaiyya".

Did you lose your hopes as an actor before all these?

When you play cricket in streets, and you're the best known cricket. But, when you go to college, so you realize that there are many people who plays better than you. I used to so perfect in my childhood, and people exampled Salman to become like me. But, when I grew up everything changed, and Salman overtook me, he got me over when he began doing films. I did lose hope as an actor, but I knew that I had a place in film industry, and my brother would make a better place for me. Today, I can proudly say that I've a valuable respect as a director and producer.

Your father Saleem Khan has been a very well known 'writer', do you discuss your work with him now?

I'm so close to my father in my all brothers. I talk him very friendly. We also have fight over discussions, but only I can do that because my father has permitted me to do that, because when you'll make something a matter, so you'll get it right.

What have you learned from your father?

I've found my parents very disciplined and faithful. We all live together. Whatever, I'm today is because of father. I want  to make my place in their hearts, and i'm sincerely working for that.

Salman Khan has supported every member's family, after being an actor, will you also support your family members?

I don't agree with that, because only talented one will be supported. My brother-in-law couldn't prove himself as an actor, but he then became a super hit producer after producing "Bodyguard". Our sister, Alvira, is so famous as a dress designer, but she doesn't work too much. The values, Salman has set, I would love to walk on that. I will hopefully make ease to all the newcomers of Bollywood.