GOLDIE BEHL (Director's Note)

DRONA started for me, as an attempt to define and understand legacy. As I became a parent, my world expanded to include newer emotions, fresher feelings. Watching my sons, interacting with them, even opened up newer bonds with my father. I knew then, that I had to tell a tale dealing with legacy, a responsibility that is passed on from generations, and is taken on with pride and never questioned. On 11th of August at midnight, Abhishek came to the hospital to see my new born, Ranveer. I discussed my idea with him and he got on board immediately. The film was to be a magical adventure, a timeless tale of good against evil, of a man rising to fulfill his destiny and be true to what he was born to be.... abhishek’s enthusiasm and conviction gave me the impetus to write a full fledged script, and slowly Drona came to life. After completing the story, I worked jointly with rohini and jaydeep on the screenplay to arrivie at the desired structure and texture that I wanted for my fantasy adventure , we arrived in the world of Drona, a world where amar chitra katha meets frank miller. We were slowly creating our very own legend. Abhishek had inspired Drona, but now, Drona was coming alive in Abhishek. His inputs were invaluable in fleshing out this grim but innocent hero, his stance, his gait, heavy with the burden he was bearing, speaking very little, with the cynical smile of someone who has grown up in a small span of time. Abhishek and I worked backwards on the charachter, even to the details of the weight of the characteristic “Drona punch”.

I am Rakhi Sawant's Brother but... - RAKESH SAWANT

Rakesh Sawant is a young and brilliant director who believes in his convictions and vision which he desires to give it a universal outlook through his medium of making films. Rakesh believes that he may not be the best but would like to do his work differently, thereby creating an individual statement of his own. In an exclusive interview with Rajendra Ganotra, Rakesh Sawant reveals his aspirations and talks about his oops Sister RAKHII SAWANT and much more…

Q) In your latest film “Wafaa”, the leads role is played by Rajesh Khanna. Why did you offer him the lead role?
A) I consider Rajesh Khanna a super star even today and possibly he is the most romantic hero I have ever seen. Hence I felt it was befitting for me to offer the role he deserves.Q) Initially did you have any difficulty in convincing Rajesh Khanna to do the lead role?A) After I narrated the script Kakaji was quite pleased to do the main role and I also felt privileged to work with such a great actor.

Q) During the course of shooting did you have any difficulty with Kakaji?

A I did not have much difficulty but he used to interfere with all the scenes that he was supposed to act in. Infact Kakaji wanted some changes as far as his character was concerned which I didn’t agree with, otherwise the whole story of the film would change. I convinced him and gave a logical reason as to why scenes shouldn’t changed. Hence he was convinced.

Q) Do you like to be known as Rakhi Sawant”s brother?

A) Rakhi Sawant is my elder sister.So I don’t mind being known as her brother and moreever initially I did a lot of ground work for her because of which she is well-known today.First controversy broke out in the film “Hot Money”, when I suggested that she should wear the unusual costume of coins embedded on the blouse and on the skirt too. This was the first time that an iteam girl wore such a costume and we received lot of media attention. Although Rakee Sawant is my sister I would like to established my identity as the director—RAKESH SAWANT.

Q) Are you a family person?A) Yes, I give lot of respect to my mother and father. I am very much family type of person. I hate parties and love to be with my family.Q) What is the message to the viewers?

A) Always give respect to your parents. Never forget them and take care of them till they are alive.

by Correspondent Mumbai