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I had to attempt one love story: Vipul Shah (INTERVIEW)
By Subhash K. Jha, Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, June 27 (IANS) Film director Vipul Shah, who wanted to make an espionage thriller with Amitabh Bachchan and Akshay Kumar, has settled for a love story titled "Namaste London".

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Apart from Akshay, Shah has signed Rishi Kapoor, Katrina Kaif and Upen Patel for his first romantic saga.

"Very frankly I wanted Amit-ji and Akshay again. It would have been my third film with the pair (after 'Aankhen' and 'Waqt - A Race Against Time'). Unfortunately, Amit-ji fell ill before I could narrate the story. And the film I had in mind was an espionage thriller, which required a lot of physical action and at least 70-80 shooting dates. So, I postponed my thriller until he is more up to it," Shah told bollywoodcountry.com. 

Shah's new film, tentatively titled "Namaste London", will start in July to be wrapped up in October. 

"It's 60 days in London and 30 days in India. That's it," said Shah, who is very keen to work with a new cast and crew. I want to get out of the comfort zone and work with other artists. For 'Namaste London' I have broken away from my regular writer Aatish Kapadia to team up with Suresh Nair. 

"Firstly, Aatish is busy. More importantly we had become a predictable pair. If you put Aatish and me in separate rooms we'd still react identically. 'Namaste London' is my first love story and Suresh has done wonderful job."

As for the casting, Vipul is upbeat about having cast Rishi for the first time. 

"To me, he is the ultimate romantic hero. And if I am making a love story I had to have him. He plays Katrina's father. Again, for Katrina's role I wanted someone who looked British and Indian. Katrina has been born and bought up in London."

When asked why he chose Upen, Shah said: "It had to be someone with no image. Upen will have only one release '36 China Town' by the time my film releases." 

He went on to talk about his film: "My film is about how today's youth in India and in England perceive love. In this way, I'll depict two facets of love. Like every filmmaker who matters, I had to attempt one love story in my lifetime."

Vipul gets reflective about romance in Indian movies. 

"Love stories are a staple diet for our cinema. For me, it's the toughest film to make in India. The benchmark for a good love story is almost impossible to reach. From Raj Kapoor and Guru Dutt to Yash Chopra and Sanjay Leela Bhansali, standards for love on celluloid are set so high. If my love story doesn't match these benchmarks, I am finished." 

Shah feels it is easier to make a family drama than a love story. "Had I chosen to do something easier, like a family drama, I'd have made my life easier." 

His new film has 11-12 major characters. 

"I have cast Pakistani actor Jawed Sheikh as a Pakistani cab driver in London. As in Hollywood and European cinema, I believe an actor needs to physically resemble the character. Katrina, Upen and Jawed fit the bill. In April I'll go to London to cast the British characters. 

"'Namaste London' is a first for me in many senses. It is my first cross-cultural film, first love story, first film extensively shot abroad and also the first that I'll have fully international crew, including the cinematographer and makeup man."

For the music, Shah has chosen Himesh Reshammiya who is riding high on his success. 

"Music is the most essential part of a love story. If the music doesn't work a romantic film falls apart. There may be greater composers. But their success ratio is limited." 

Shah will produce the film while Adlab will present it. 

"Right now, the budget is worrisome. It is Rs.250 million film. Big money. But that's because I am working under the wonderful system that's used internationally to make my love story look visually different, though let me add our technicians are no less capable." 

And is Shah's wife Shefali in his new film? 

"There is no role of substance here for her. But I am planning something with a central role. I am already writing a script. Hopefully, I'll make that film immediately after 'Namaste London'." 

And why London? 

"I feel London and New York are identifiable points for our audience. Right from 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge', London has been a hotbed of drama in our films. I don't have to explain myself too much to the audience."