Japanese filmmaker hopes to direct Aamir Khan
Acting acumen of Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan, who has found a fan following in China, has caught the eye of Japanese filmmaker Norihiro Koizumi who hopes to direct the actor someday
NEW DELHI: The acting acumen of Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan, who has found a fan following in China, has caught the eye of Japanese ilmmaker Norihiro Koizumi who hopes to direct the actor someday.
Known for the successful Japanese “Chihayafuru” trilogy, Koizumi came to India last month for a Japanese Film Festival organised by PVR Cinemas by The Japan Foundation.
It was his irst time in India. Not only did he have a great time looking at “happy” faces and tasting the variety of food, but he also got a new perspective about Indian cinema.
“About indian c in ema,ihadt his image that it’s all about musicals... But when I came to India and saw a couple of ilms, I felt there were a lot ilms which did not have many musical scenes. It kind of changed my view of Indian cinema. There’s a variety of ilms... Not just musicals, not just dancing. Some movies have profound themes. I thought I should watch a little bit more,” Koizumi said on recorded response.
He says before he came to India, he saw 3 Idiots and Dangal.
“Both of them had the same actor... Aamir Khan. He is a great actor,” said Koizumi, who doesn’t rule out a chance of an Indian collaboration.
“Yes, it could happen... With Aamir Khan. I think he could be in Japanese cinema too. Maybe I could direct Indian cinema if I have a chance... I don’t know about the musical scenes though,” he quipped, breaking into a bout of laughter.
The Indian audience, he felt, is very receptive to cinema “I liked the food here in India, and the happy people and I liked the reaction to the ilms. People cry, laugh and talk to each other a lot. I feel that’s the way ilms should be watched,” he said, adding that hosting a Japanese Film Festival is a great way to show Japanese culture in India.
Apart from the ilms, patrons also got a chance to savour sushi rolls handcrafted by chef Yutaka Saito for Simply Sushi.
“I think it is very important to know each other to be friends. It is the best way to know each other. If there will be another ilm festival, I will be here in India again,” said Koizumi, who is in his late 30s.
There is currently a spotlight on Asian cinema ever since the runaway success of Crazy Rich Asians. As one of the more commercially successful young directors of Asia, what are his views on the changing scenario of diversity and inclusivity?