I’m never insecure, says Aanand L Rai

The filmmaker says he is fortunate to have a great emotional bonding with his films, directors, as well as actors

Right from the start, his films have been underlined for his pure sensibilities and nuanced understanding of human relationships. Probably that’s why Aanand L Rai’s films hardly ever miss a beat when it comes to the emotional quotient. His next production venture, Meri Nimmo, which starts streaming from today on Eros Now, also seems to fall into the same space. We caught up with the “super busy” filmmaker – who is readying for the final schedule of his next, Zero starring Shah Ruh Khan – about films and more. Your films always have a big heart and it’s at the right place. Is Meri Nimmo in the same bracket? As a director, storyteller and a producer, I would love to thrive on staying original. Originality se badi power kuch nahi hoti hai. An idea should directly touch your heart. I have known Rahul (Shankalya; director of the film) – who has been my associate director – for 7 to 8 years now. When he told me the story of Meri Nimmo, I instantly knew the story mirrors him. So I knew from the first day that he was going to make a very heart-warming film, and will give me the soul and a heart, which will be at the right place. And if I say it is going to work, I mean it will touch the right chord. Do new films still make you nervous or excited? There is always excitement, and even with Meri Nimmo, I am a little anxious to see how people will react to it. But that’s what every film should do to you. If you are not excited and nervous at the same time, it’s not a great feeling. If you have created something and are allowed to be a mini God, how will you not be nervous? Your personality, outlook towards life and even storytelling, appear to be very simple and honest… I will give the entire credit to people [around me], my friends, family and my team. They always make me feel blessed. I am very fortunate that I get my share of love and respect and that keeps me very secure. So, I am never insecure about things. It’s not about me being a director but my direct connect with people. So, you will find me absolutely calm even around a big actor like Shah Rukh Khan because he is like a friend and a brother to me. It’s fantastic. I consider myself fortunate to have such a great emotional bonding and rapport with all my films, my directors and actors. This is what a person like me needs to direct better. If you take this away from me, and just leave the craft, I will become a very mediocre man. What’s going on with Zero?

There’s a lot of nervousness but at the same time, what really counts is the journey. If you ask me, ‘are you enjoying the journey? Yes, I am.’ When you go on a rollercoaster ride, you pay money and sit there for that feeling. It’s exactly that. I am on the biggest rollercoaster ride, and am having fun. You have a super packed 2018.

Yes, but I am not feeling that because I am enjoying each and every thing that I am doing. When you enjoy things, you don’t feel tired. If you ask, ‘is it tiring?’, I will say, ‘Of course, it’s tiring but I am not feeling tired (laughs)’.

Aanand L Rai