It will be a logistical nightmare, says Shakun Batra
The director says that working with Pakistani artistes will be difficult; denies approaching Alia Bhatt or Sidharth Malhotra for another film
Shakun Batra’s Kapoor &
Sons (right; 2016), starring Alia Bhatt, Fawad Khan and Sidharth Malhotra, is widely considered one of the best films of last year. The movie recently won awards for its screenplay and story at an awards ceremony, but its director Shakun Batra says, “I don’t look at awards as a sign of validation.” Instead, the director feels awards are just another sign of appreciation, besides the audiences’ response. In an interview with HT Café, Shakun talks about Karan Johar’s autobiography, working with Pakistani artistes, and Meryl Streep’s speech at the Golden Globes.
You worked with Fawad in Kapoor & Sons. Given the current political turmoil surrounding Pakistan, do you fear working with artistes from there again?
More than fear, I believe that would be legally hard to pull off now. With the whole visa thing and the travelling, it will be a logistical nightmare. I really hope that both countries reconcile. We were [India and Pakistan] finally collaborating and working together. I always believe good things come out of collaborations, and that is the way forward. It saddens me that this happened. I wish we could go back to the time when we had more conversations. This should happen worldwide; not just between India and Pakistan. People in Pakistan really appreciate Bollywood and our talent.
There are rumours that you have approached Sidharth and Alia for your next film…
No. I’m only focusing on writing [scripts] right now. There’s no confirmation on this from my side. Alia and Sidharth are definitely great friends of mine, and I would love to work with them. Only once I finish writing can I approach anyone.
People have been talking about Meryl Streep’s recent speech and saying Bollywood celebs should do something similar. Do you think it may backfire if celebrities are vocal about their opinions?
I think it can, but at the end of the day, it’s also a personal choice. There are people who are pretty open about their opinions and are happy to share what’s happening in their lives. But I just wish we created fewer controversies and let people be, and let them live how they want to.
Your mentor Karan Johar has released his autobiography. What do you have to say about that?
Karan has always been friendly and warm. He’s open about his life and his choices. I think it requires courage for a person like him, who has gone through so many controversies, to be so open. He is extremely progressive.
I really hope that both countries reconcile. We were [India and Pakistan] finally working together. SHAKUN BATRA, DIRECTOR