Sanjay Gupta: I like looking at guns
A couple of films with Sanjay Gupta and a few controversies later, the writer-director known for his dark and highly stylised films is set to release Woodstock Villa (starring Sikandar Kher and his niece Neha Uberoi).
Step inside his plush new office and you'll see books of every genre. From The Road to Purgatory to Rushdie to books on cinema — you name it and you shall find it on Gupta's neatly arranged shelves. (Now don't READ too much into this).
A huge iMac G5 takes up the corner of his table and a huge poster on guns and Mr Colt adorn a wall behind his seat. As he himself says, "The price of toys tells the men from boys (Well, is he dropping a hint?)." In a brief chat we tried to find out about his take on movies, estranged relationships, friends and more. Read on…
Why is the film called Woodstock Villa? Is it a story about your house?
Woodstock Villa was the working title of the film. And then we eventually stuck with it. The story is a thriller from the Vijay Anand genre. It's racy with good music.
What made you cast a newcomer like Sikandar?
He has the star quality. We needed someone without a fixed image and when I saw Sikandar walking into my office, I knew I wanted him. He has good screen presence, a good physique and acting runs in his blood.
Since Hansal Mehta is the director of this film, what was your contribution in the direction aspect of Woodstock Villa?
I have ZERO contribution. The film is Hansal's baby throughout. I have helped in the songs, the posters and publicity. Since I have a certain responsibility towards the fans of White Feather Films, I had to maintain the style and slickness of my previous projects.
Sanjay Dutt in an item number. What's the connection?
We needed the song in the movie and who could be better than Sanju? Also, it's not really an item number that comes during end credits. It is integral to the plot.
What was all the goss about the Sanjay – Sanjay fallout?
No comments. (Although he had specifically mentioned about replacing Sanju in Alibaug, the movie started rolling with Sanju in the lead.)
