‘Can’t take away Aamir’s credit for PK’
While actor Aamir Khan’s (left) PK was appreciated by everyone, many also felt that the movie was very similar to filmmaker Umesh Shukla’s (right) OMG - Oh My God. There were reports that Aamir and the director of the film, Rajkumar Hirani, offered to pay Shukla ` 8 crore to stop the shooting of his film much before PK released. However, Shukla has denied these reports. “Aamir is such a nice guy and he will never do something like this. Even if someone else makes a film on the same subject, there will be some common things. But I can’t take away his credit. In fact, even Raju Hirani is such a nice person. Do you think they will ever do such a thing?” says Shukla.
While there is a general perception that filmmakers tend to only question Hinduism in their films, Shukla denies this. “I questioned all religions in my films. Of course, because I am a Hindu, I am able to see the flaws in my religion. But Pakistani films such as Khuda Ke Liye and Bol questioned their own religion as well,” he says.
The director is eagerly waiting for the release of his upcoming film that stars actors Abhishek Bachchan and Asin. Shukla says that the story of the film talks about the importance of family values in a humourous way. “It is important for the message to reach the audience. If a teacher tries to say something with force, it is not taken well. However, if the same concept is taught with love, it is understood easily,” he says.
I questioned all religions in my films. Because I am a Hindu, I am able to see the flaws in my religion Umesh Shukla, director