The two seemingly different directors are bonding
The two seemingly different directors are bonding
Imtiaz Ali and Rohit Shetty have been bonding, of late. Both are busy scripting their next films for Ashtavinayak. The directors have been spotted daily at the production house's office at Andheri. Though they have their individual cabins, the duo spend a considerable amount of time at each other's desk.
While Imtiaz is penning Rockstar starring Ranbir Kapoor, Rohit is working on Golmaal 3 featuring Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor, Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor and Shreyas Talpade.
Their approach to filmmaking is distinct with Rohit obsessed with comedy, action and his must have -- cars that go topsy-turvy on screen while Imtiaz deftly weaves his man-woman relationship sagas.
Says Imtiaz, "Our kind of cinema may be different but Rohit and I share a lot in common, especially our passion for movies. There is also another factor -- our love for food. We share similar likes and dislikes when it comes to our eating habits. So we get along really well."
The Love Aaj Kal director adds, "Both of us love to eat red meat and always on the look out for a good mutton meal. I have introduced him to Shahi Grill at Oshiwara which serves Lucknowi fare and Rohit has been placing more orders than me!"
Imtiaz first met Rohit at the success party of Golmaal. "At first glance, he looked like those typical action film directors. He is well built and muscular -- the kind who can protect, in case of any attack! At the party, I also realised that he had a funny bone -- that's where the comic streak in his films come."
What also intrigued Imtiaz, was Rohit's tattoo that has symbols of Hinduism, Islam and Christianity with 'Only God Can Judge Me' written below it. "This man sure has a rocking philosophy in life!"
Imtiaz admits that both often take breaks for no reason at all.u00a0 "After all, we share a common girlfriend (read: Ashtavinayak) so there is lots to talk and discuss about," laughs Imtiaz.
Says Rohit, "When Ashtavinayak signed us, they had made films like Fun2oosh. Then they signed Imtiaz and me for Jab We Met and Golmaal. I had earlier made Zameen and he had directed Socha Na Tha. But with Jab We Met and Golmaal, the scenario changed for us as well as the producers (with the success of both the films). So, we both began on common ground."
Rohit feels that he gets positive vibes from Imtiaz. "Being with him is a learning process. He's one of the best directors we have. I love to sit and listen to him and discuss cinema techniques." He adds, "Imtiaz is also extremely calm unlike me."
The production house also looks upon both of them fondly as their successes (Golmaal and Jab We Met) put Ashtavinayak in a different league.
