‘I WISH TO WORK WITH IMTIAZ EVERY YEAR’

Shah Rukh Khan says Imtiaz Ali is a great filmmaker, and also an ‘equally good human being’, calls him ‘a modern Yash Chopra’

Shah Rukh Khan has worked with several noted filmmakers in his almost 25-year-long acting career in Bollywood. But Imtiaz Ali — his writing, way of working, and wit — seems to have left an indelible mark on his mind. So much so, that SRK says, “Imtiaz is like a modern Yash Chopra”, comparing him to the late filmmaker, whom Bollywood adored and respected.

Imtiaz has directed the actor in their upcoming film, Jab Harry Met Sejal (JHMS), which is also their first film together. All praise for Imtiaz, SRK says, “Apart from Adi (Chopra’s son, Aditya Chopra) and Karan (Johar), who have learnt hands-on from Yashji, I don’t think that anyone else has the same vibe... Be it Imtiaz’s writing or the way he gets [hold of] men-women relationship in a sweet manner, with a modern take on it — it’s very beautiful.”

The actor adds that Imtiaz’s (films) can be “edgy also”, but JHMS is not like that. “It’s funny and happy... a pure love story,” says SRK, adding, “Also, Imtiaz believes in songs, so you see the girl and boy breaking into a song in the streets. But he’s more Europe than Switzerland (Chopra’s favourite shooting location), so, he has a lot of Yashji kind of qualities.”

Imtiaz was reported as saying in jest that signing SRK was “difficult” and involved a lot of running around. Shah Rukh has the opposite to say of the filmmaker. “I wish I could do a film with Imtiaz every year in the genre he wants because it’s very easy working with him. He loves his actors the way Yashji would. He’s very kind.”

Their film has famously averted a clash with Akshay Kumar’s next film, by now set for an earlier release. SRK says it’s great for both films. “We have the Raksha Bandhan weekend.” The actor admits this will also help him talk more about his film “rather than competition and clashes.”

PHOTO:YOGEN SHAH