BOLLYWOODTIMEPAS

Faruk Kabir, first time director of Allah Ke Banday, has no professional or personal connect with Aamir Khan yet. However, he is in totally in awe of the actor-producer-director who is clearly defining a new dimension to the way films are being made. What impresses Faruk most is the manner Aamir is willing to hold centre-stage with number of other actors (Prateik in Dhobi Ghat, Madhavan and Sharman Joshi in 3 Idiots).

"He has done films where there are 2-3-4 other boys as well. Many could stand up and question him on his decision, especially so because he can any time pick and choose his next film with him being the only hero. Still, he never hesitates working in multi starrers", says Faruk about one of his favourite actors in the world of Hindi films

Faruk feels that the reason behind Aamir not being insecure about his positioning in a film versus other actors in the industry is because majority don't read the screenplay extensively and hence do not realise the depth of a role and the way it is integral to the plot.

"When someone says that he is insecure due to another character being stronger, I can't help but smile. I mean look at Aamir Khan; he has been doing so many roles that have been refused by other big stars because perhaps they didn't find them interesting enough", Faruk adds.

Obiously referring to the casting hassles that he faced for his debut outing Allah Ke Banday, Faruk says, ""We tend to form opinions without even going through the screenplay properly. Someone like Aamir understands that at its core, the genesis of the whole thing is writing. Also story telling is of utmost important. I wish and hope that other starts following this approach as well."

Not many know that 28 year old first time director Faruk Kabir had to go through quite some pain before he pencilled in on the second male lead of the film other than Sharman Joshi. With majority expressing their desire to instead do Sharman's role, Faruk was left with no choice but act in the film himself. This is where he remembered Aamir Khan manner of character selection and rued the fact that not many in Bollywood follow that.

Today, as his film is getting readied for release, Faruk isn't willing to think much about the validity of the decision any more.

"Whether it turned out to be good or bad is something that time will tell. However, one thing is for sure that with me coming on board as an actor as well, there was no date issue between the director and an actor. This was one combination of dates that we didn't have to worry about at all", winks Faruk before signing off.

Starring Naseeruddin Shah, Atul Kulkarni and Anjana Sukhani as the other lead protagonists, Allah Ke Banday releases all over on 26th November.