Sunita Gowariker: We didn't discuss shifting the Mohenjo Daro date to avoid clash with Rustom
Ashtosh Gowariker's wife discusses her role in her husband's company, her relationship with him, and of course , Mohenjo Daro
The big clash--- between Ashutosh Gowariker’s Mohenjo Daro and Tinu Suresh Desai’s Rustom -- has begun. Though the initial trend seems to be in favour of the Akshay Kumar-starrer, we wonder what's going on in Mohenjo Daro producer's Sunita Gowariker's mind. We are sure that she is someone who knows that it’s a long race to the finishing point. We had met her recently at her Khar office and she sounded extremely confident about the historical romance directed by her husband. Here’s what transpired:
With Mohenjo Daro set to hit the screens, what exactly are you feeling?
Satisfied. And, I am waiting for the audience’s reaction. I am very excited, it is a new baby coming out of AGPPL (Ashutosh Gowariker Productions Pvt. Ltd.) and I just want to show it off to the world.
What’s your role in AGPPL? How did you start off?
I have been producing films for 12 years now. We started AGPPL, because Ashutosh wanted to make films his way. He came to me and said, ‘I want to do this, do you think you could help me?’ I am sure he felt I could do it, because by then, we were married for about 12 years. I asked him, ‘You think I can do it?’ Because, all I knew about films at that time was what I would hear from him. In fact, when I got married, he was a struggling actor.
With Mohenjo Daro set to hit the screens, what exactly are you feeling?
Satisfied. And, I am waiting for the audience’s reaction. I am very excited, it is a new baby coming out of AGPPL (Ashutosh Gowariker Productions Pvt. Ltd.) and I just want to show it off to the world.
What’s your role in AGPPL? How did you start off?
I have been producing films for 12 years now. We started AGPPL, because Ashutosh wanted to make films his way. He came to me and said, ‘I want to do this, do you think you could help me?’ I am sure he felt I could do it, because by then, we were married for about 12 years. I asked him, ‘You think I can do it?’ Because, all I knew about films at that time was what I would hear from him. In fact, when I got married, he was a struggling actor.
Prior to us starting AGPPL, he had already directed 3 films (Pehla Nasha in 1993, Baazi in 1995 and Lagaan in 2001). So, I knew certain terms and jargons, but that was it. Still, I said, ‘Okay, I can do it’. But when I started out, there were all these technical terms that were being used and I felt lost. And, I used to keep asking Ashutosh, ‘Do you think I have done the right thing? Will I be able to really take this ahead?’ Slowly, I realised that the best thing to do is keep my eyes and ears open. I would ask him if I didn’t know certain things, there are times when I pretended to know something when I didn’t. But I must have done something correct, because in 12 years, I have come this far.
Your first film as a producer was with Shah Rukh Khan (Swades, 2004)...
Shah Rukh is a gentleman. It’s very easy to work with him, as he doesn’t have those starry tantrums. He had not even signed a contract when he started shooting for it. When we had to go to the US for shooting at NASA, we wanted him to sign the papers as it was required for his visa approval. Even then, he just signed it blindly. I asked him to read the paper, but he said it’s not required since it came from me. I gained confidence because Shah Rukh had that belief in me.
You connect with Bollywood easily...
Your first film as a producer was with Shah Rukh Khan (Swades, 2004)...
Shah Rukh is a gentleman. It’s very easy to work with him, as he doesn’t have those starry tantrums. He had not even signed a contract when he started shooting for it. When we had to go to the US for shooting at NASA, we wanted him to sign the papers as it was required for his visa approval. Even then, he just signed it blindly. I asked him to read the paper, but he said it’s not required since it came from me. I gained confidence because Shah Rukh had that belief in me.
You connect with Bollywood easily...
I have studied psychology, and I think I have a knack with people.
How do you tackle Ashutosh? He says you keep asking him to cut down the costs...
I am a Gemini and I can easily juggle the two. As a wife, I understand his vision, but the minute I sit on the producer’s chair, I look at the business side. Because if something doesn’t make economic sense, there’s no point. Ashutosh’s vision has always been big, but we read the script and try to understand where it is going. Then we work backwards on the budget and decide matters like the cast because that’s where the maximum expenditure happens. After making a full list, we tell Ashutosh what can be given. We give him everything he needs and expect him to compromises on the rest, but that doesn’t happen. So, we try and extent our goodwill and ask people to do things for us -- it has worked.
Do you have fights?
Of course hota hai...because we are two different people. If not on films, we would have argued as a family. But we have to understand that even if we are disagreeing on certain things, we are doing it for the betterment of the film. Also, we have never taken the arguments home.
Was casting Hrithik in Mohenjo Daro a common decision?
Of course. Who would disagree with Hrithik? He is a producer’s delight. He is compassionate and honest. When you have a star on the sets, things have to be done in a certain way. But if you go to Hrithik and explain your difficulty, he is very accommodating. He even gives his inputs on how things have to be done.
For example?
When you cast a star like Hrithik, you are expected to provide a lot of amenities. But Bhuj in Gujarat does not have 5-star hotels and I told Hrithik about it. The only thing he said was, ‘Don’t Worry’. He understands since he also comes from a producer’s family. You don’t even have to worry about his food, because he has broccoli, chicken/fish and khus khus for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Hrithik is somebody who has no demands -- he is a superstar without any fuss. The only thing he requires is his trainer.
How much say do you have in the casting?
How do you tackle Ashutosh? He says you keep asking him to cut down the costs...
I am a Gemini and I can easily juggle the two. As a wife, I understand his vision, but the minute I sit on the producer’s chair, I look at the business side. Because if something doesn’t make economic sense, there’s no point. Ashutosh’s vision has always been big, but we read the script and try to understand where it is going. Then we work backwards on the budget and decide matters like the cast because that’s where the maximum expenditure happens. After making a full list, we tell Ashutosh what can be given. We give him everything he needs and expect him to compromises on the rest, but that doesn’t happen. So, we try and extent our goodwill and ask people to do things for us -- it has worked.
Do you have fights?
Of course hota hai...because we are two different people. If not on films, we would have argued as a family. But we have to understand that even if we are disagreeing on certain things, we are doing it for the betterment of the film. Also, we have never taken the arguments home.
Was casting Hrithik in Mohenjo Daro a common decision?
Of course. Who would disagree with Hrithik? He is a producer’s delight. He is compassionate and honest. When you have a star on the sets, things have to be done in a certain way. But if you go to Hrithik and explain your difficulty, he is very accommodating. He even gives his inputs on how things have to be done.
For example?
When you cast a star like Hrithik, you are expected to provide a lot of amenities. But Bhuj in Gujarat does not have 5-star hotels and I told Hrithik about it. The only thing he said was, ‘Don’t Worry’. He understands since he also comes from a producer’s family. You don’t even have to worry about his food, because he has broccoli, chicken/fish and khus khus for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Hrithik is somebody who has no demands -- he is a superstar without any fuss. The only thing he requires is his trainer.
How much say do you have in the casting?
Considering it's the number game, Ashutosh will give his wish list and we also try and go ahead with his first choice. Until now the first has always worked for us. I suggest him to take known faces as the audiences also like seeing big stars. I try to give him somebody who is closest to his vision. There are agreements and disagreements.
His last two films- What's Your Raashee? and Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey- didnt didnt do well, how was the mood at home and what was it
When a film doesn’t work, you feel sad and disheartened sometimes. Many lives are attached to it. This film is opening the door for your next so you obviously want it to work. Years went by after Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey only because Ashutosh went back to the drawing board and review what he exactly wants to make. This was exactly what he did a few years ago prior to Lagaan, when Baazi and Pehla Nasha didn’t work. For Mohenjo Daro, there was a long research period. We always had Hrithik in mind, but Shuddhi (by Karan Johar) was also happening at the same time. We desperately wanted Hrithik.
You didn’t want two films of a similar genre...
No, it was Hrithink who didn’t want to do two films of a similar genre because its too much work for an actor and its physically very exhausting. In the meantime, Ashutosh kept on working on the script and it did take a while because Hrithik came back to us.
So, Shuddhi going to the back burner was good news to you...
No, it’s sad for anybody. You didn’t wish any film should take a backburner... but maybe it was destiny time for Mohenjo Daro.
Was the hard work much more in Mohenjo Daro then in your previous films?
The work is the same, irrespective of whether you are making a contemporary film like What’s Your Rashee? (2009) or a period film or a pre-historical one. I am so used to working in a particular style with Ashutosh -- and all his films are on large canvas -- that I think I have forgotten now whether it’s more hard work or less. I don’t know any better.
If you ask me, shooting in Mumbai is more hard work. When you are outdoors, it’s much easier to finish work fast. It’s easier, because, the unit is all together and all that.
(CLICK ABOVE FOR THE ASHUTOSH INTERVIEW)
Ashutosh told us that you were instrumental in casting Pooja (Hegde). What made you choose her?
(Laughs) I saw Pooja on a TV commercial with Ranbir (Kapoor). Frankly, her face was not even clear in that commercial. But I already knew about Channi (her character in Mohenjo Daro) and when I saw Pooja, I said I have to meet this girl. I called her and when I finally met her, it was like Channi walking in. Of course, Ashutosh did a screen test with her, but I knew much before that we had found our Channi.
You did not audition 100-200 girls for the role?
No. It was an instant connect, almost like love at first sight. Both of us -- Ashutosh, after conducting the test and I -- just felt the same way about her. We didn’t have to convince each other. I am very happy and proud of the way she has done what she has done -- and the reaction and appreciation she is already getting.
As a producer, did you set the release date?
(Laughs) Gauging how much time Ashutosh takes, we decided on the release date and we set it one-and-a-half-years ago. Also, it was a film that required a little bit of a special date so, we started checking out the slots. You know how many films release every week. So, we thought even if we have to postpone the release by 2-3 months, it will be worth it. But we wanted a release date that does full justice to everybody’s hard work.
But you ended up clashing with Rustom…
His last two films- What's Your Raashee? and Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey- didnt didnt do well, how was the mood at home and what was it
When a film doesn’t work, you feel sad and disheartened sometimes. Many lives are attached to it. This film is opening the door for your next so you obviously want it to work. Years went by after Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey only because Ashutosh went back to the drawing board and review what he exactly wants to make. This was exactly what he did a few years ago prior to Lagaan, when Baazi and Pehla Nasha didn’t work. For Mohenjo Daro, there was a long research period. We always had Hrithik in mind, but Shuddhi (by Karan Johar) was also happening at the same time. We desperately wanted Hrithik.
You didn’t want two films of a similar genre...
No, it was Hrithink who didn’t want to do two films of a similar genre because its too much work for an actor and its physically very exhausting. In the meantime, Ashutosh kept on working on the script and it did take a while because Hrithik came back to us.
So, Shuddhi going to the back burner was good news to you...
No, it’s sad for anybody. You didn’t wish any film should take a backburner... but maybe it was destiny time for Mohenjo Daro.
Was the hard work much more in Mohenjo Daro then in your previous films?
The work is the same, irrespective of whether you are making a contemporary film like What’s Your Rashee? (2009) or a period film or a pre-historical one. I am so used to working in a particular style with Ashutosh -- and all his films are on large canvas -- that I think I have forgotten now whether it’s more hard work or less. I don’t know any better.
If you ask me, shooting in Mumbai is more hard work. When you are outdoors, it’s much easier to finish work fast. It’s easier, because, the unit is all together and all that.
(CLICK ABOVE FOR THE ASHUTOSH INTERVIEW)
Ashutosh told us that you were instrumental in casting Pooja (Hegde). What made you choose her?
(Laughs) I saw Pooja on a TV commercial with Ranbir (Kapoor). Frankly, her face was not even clear in that commercial. But I already knew about Channi (her character in Mohenjo Daro) and when I saw Pooja, I said I have to meet this girl. I called her and when I finally met her, it was like Channi walking in. Of course, Ashutosh did a screen test with her, but I knew much before that we had found our Channi.
You did not audition 100-200 girls for the role?
No. It was an instant connect, almost like love at first sight. Both of us -- Ashutosh, after conducting the test and I -- just felt the same way about her. We didn’t have to convince each other. I am very happy and proud of the way she has done what she has done -- and the reaction and appreciation she is already getting.
As a producer, did you set the release date?
(Laughs) Gauging how much time Ashutosh takes, we decided on the release date and we set it one-and-a-half-years ago. Also, it was a film that required a little bit of a special date so, we started checking out the slots. You know how many films release every week. So, we thought even if we have to postpone the release by 2-3 months, it will be worth it. But we wanted a release date that does full justice to everybody’s hard work.
But you ended up clashing with Rustom…
When two films are releasing on the same day, you want the other film also to do well. But obviously, there’s a struggle for screens and audiences also get divided. So, one always wishes to be a single release. But, we’ve always had clashes. For example, during Lagaan, we clashed with Gadar: Ek Prem Katha. Also, so many movies are made now, how can you get a solo release?
But did you ever considering shifting your release?
But did you ever considering shifting your release?
No, we did not discuss shifting even once. In fact, we announced our release date way in advance.
What’s next?
Actually, the plan needs to come in from Ashutosh. But we have realised that there are long gaps in his work -- he takes a lot of time to write it and then it goes on floors. So now, we are planning to produce films of other directors. It’s the entire rolling of the business and its expansion. We did do Everest, which was a TV series. We tried our hands at that, but TV is very tough as it requires a lot of fast energy. But nevertheless, we have got a feel of it.
Were you happy with the outcome of Everest?
We are very happy with the way it turned out, but not the ratings. Maybe, we were a little ahead of the times, because TV is still in its infancy. But no worries, we’ll get there.
So, TV is very much a part of your plans despite Everest not being a hit?
What’s next?
Actually, the plan needs to come in from Ashutosh. But we have realised that there are long gaps in his work -- he takes a lot of time to write it and then it goes on floors. So now, we are planning to produce films of other directors. It’s the entire rolling of the business and its expansion. We did do Everest, which was a TV series. We tried our hands at that, but TV is very tough as it requires a lot of fast energy. But nevertheless, we have got a feel of it.
Were you happy with the outcome of Everest?
We are very happy with the way it turned out, but not the ratings. Maybe, we were a little ahead of the times, because TV is still in its infancy. But no worries, we’ll get there.
So, TV is very much a part of your plans despite Everest not being a hit?
Yes. That way, even two of our films didn’t work. But one should never stop. You learn what doesn’t work and the endeavour should be to make things work.
Image Source: SpotboyE Team, Manav Manglani & Blogindia.
Image Source: SpotboyE Team, Manav Manglani & Blogindia.
