Lucknow very conducive to shooting films: Arbaaz

Film maker and actor Arbaaz Khan shot his directorial debut film Dabangg2 in Kanpur and partly in Lucknow but he is non-committal about coming again to the state for shooting Dabangg3. “We are still at the scripting stage so at this moment I can’t say anything. However, if the film requires then surely we will come here,” he says on his promotional visit to Lucknow.

He goes on to add, “I shot Dabangg2 here because it was the film’s requirement. We established Bajaria Thana in Kanpur where Chulbul (played by Salman) is transferred. We needed to shoot the basic look of the place in real location. Though it’s a little tough to shoot in public place because of permissions and crowd but we need to do that for an authentic feel.”

Last time he shot without Salman and cited public frenzy as a reason for leaving out the superstar. “To be honest it’s very tough to shoot with Salman anywhere in India. Local crowd gets very excited and to get shots in such a crowd is not very easy. But, sometimes you do take the trouble when a local environment needs to be established as per the script. Then we take the help of police and administration and shoot with him. So, if need be, we will shoot with him too,” he says.

He feels Lucknow now is very conducive for film shoots. “The kind of facilities we have here makes it very shooting-friendly and if the script permits we will surely come here,” he says.

Arbaaz was accompanied by his co-actor Manjari Phadnis (above right) during an interaction held at Inox multiplex. Talking about his forthcoming release he says, “The film has got a gamut of emotions as the name suggests Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai. It has everything that an audience looks into a film comedy, emotions, love, good music and dance,” he says. Arbaaz plays an NRI in the film.

As an actor he will be seen with Sunny Leone in Tera Intezar Hai followed by Jack & Dil with Amit Saad and Sonal Chauhan, Red with Manjari and another that he just shot in Switzerland. Early next year he is geared up to start Dabangg3. Manjari was on her first visit to Lucknow. She will be next seen in Baba Black Sheep with Manish Paul and another with Arbaaz.

To be honest it’s very tough to shoot with Salman anywhere in India. Local crowd gets very excited and to get shots in such a crowd is not very easy. ARBAAZ KHAN, ACTORDIRECTOR

DHEERAJ DHAWAN/HT