Rajat Kapoor is open to criticism!

It's not easy to take criticism in your stride, but actor-filmmaker Rajat Kapoor tells that he invites critics to analyze his script as their inputs help him improvise it.

"It's difficult to deal with criticism. I deal with criticism a lot when I make a film. I invite criticism. I ask people what is wrong in the script, so that I can make it better, because after the film is made, you want to protect yourself. So, it's not easy," told Kapoor whose next offering is "Ankhon Dekhi". 

Rajat Kapoor's uncomfortable moment with Naseeruddin!

Filmmaker-actor Rajat Kapoor tells he faced an awkward moment while casting for his movie "Ankhon Dekhi".

Kapoor's first choice for the main role was Sanjay Mishra, but when he couldn't contact the actor, he approached Naseeruddin Shah for the same.

As luck would have it, when Naseer gave his nod for the role, Sanjay too returned and the director found himself in a fix.

"When Sanjay had become unavailable and unreachable, I approached Naseer sir. But fortunately or unfortunately he (Sanjay) came back," Kapoor said.

Directed by Kapoor, "Ankhon Dekhi" is slated for a March 21 release.

"In the meantime, Naseer sir had read the script in three days and he liked it and by that time Sanjay had come back and I must say it was a bad timing, terrible timing."

"But Sanjay was my first choice and I went through a lot of shit. I told Naseeruddin Shah I will give him some other role in the same film, but he said he will not do it. Then I wrote a long mail and he replied nicely, saying Sanjay deserves it and all. But it was an awkward moment."

A quirky film, "Ankhon Dekhi" revolves around Raje Bauji (Sanjay), a man in his late 50s, living out a dreary but eventful life in a small house in old Delhi, in which he lives with his extended family. 

Failures important to stay grounded, says Rajat Kapoor!

Rajat Kapoor, who has seen many highs and lows in his movie career so far, is not deterred by failure. He feels that an actor or a director is "as good" as his or her "last film".

"My wife says failures are important for me to be grounded. One can go mad with success, so failure is important...an actor or director is as good as his last film," Rajat said.

He forayed into acting as the dashing uncle in Farhan Akhtar's 2001 directorial debut "Dil Chahta Hai", also starring Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Akshaye Khanna and Preity Zinta. After that, he left an impression with his roles in films including "Corporate", "Monsoon Wedding", "Bheja Fry" and "Dasvidaniya".

"In 2009, I was at the top of the world...I was on cloud nine...I thought I could do anything post the success of 'Mithya' and 'Bheja Fry'. But failure taught me many things," he told.

Rajat has also witnessed many failures in his career with his directorial "Fatso" getting mixed reviews. Other movies featuring him, like "10 ml Love" and "Agent Vinod", also didn't manage to garner much appreciation at the box office.

"I have faced a lot of difficulties to get producers and get things rolling after a few duds," he told.

He is presently busy promoting his directorial "Aankhon Dekhi" and says he hopes to recover all the money that has been invested in the movie.

"The film has been made on a budget of Rs.5 crore...and I hope we will recover all the money. So far, the response has been positive and we hope everyone likes the film," he told.

"Aankhon Dekhi" is slated to release March 21.

Rajat Kapoor and Vinay Pathak’s '...It's Love in Bihar'!

After 'Raat Gayi Baat Gayi' and 'Bheja Fry', the hit Jodi of Rajat Kapoor and Vinay Pathak has teamed up again for Praveen Kumar's 'Jo Dooba so Pyar - It's Love in Bihar'.

'It is a charming movie, shot against an unusual setting - the streets of Bihar, and featuring stalwarts of the industry combined with fresh new talent in its cast,' told Kercy Daruwala, Managing Director - Sony Pictures India.

Also starring Anand Tiwari, Sadiya Siddique and Pitobash, the film is being distributed by Sony Pictures India and will come out on Oct 14.

Director Kumar, who is from Bihar, tells the story is based on his personal experiences of growing up in Bihar and falling in love.

'I've made a film drawing upon memories of both growing up in Bihar and falling in love. It has been an enjoyable, if sometimes strenuous experience... I believe these experiences of violence and love is universal,' told the director who has moved to Mumbai to make movies.

Sagar Ballary‘s Guftagoo with Vinay Pathak and Ranvir Shorey!

Director Sagar Ballary

Vinay Pathak

Ranvir Shorey

Rajat Kapoor

Bheja Fry 3, for those who are interested, is postponed until that time when director Sagar Ballary cracks a screenplay valuable of that fascinating bore Bharat Bhushan's return trip.

In September, Ballary starts another movie. Entitled Guftagoo, this is a chamber piece with only 6 characters.

Sagar has signed his old favorite Vinay Pathak and Pathak's best friend Ranvir Shorey for two of the roles. But the most important part of the movie is to be played by a 30-plus leading lady whom Ballary has already sounded out for the part.

Ballary reveals, "I wouldn't like to mention her name yet until she has signed the film. But it'd be a dream-come-true to work with her. Luckily for me she likes my work, has seen Bheja Fry 2 and called me to congratulate me after seeing it."

Sagar wants to cast this iconic actress and his old favorite Rajat Kapoor as man and wife in Gufatgoo.

Speaking of Kapoor, he was sorely missed in Bheja Fry 2. Sagar Ballary promises the third part won't be made without Mr Kapoor.

Sagar tells, "Rajat couldn't do Bheja Fry 2. But he has made it very clear that we can't make the third part without him. My writer Sharad Kataria would have to crack an idea that'd take the story forward. There's no point in doing another Bheja Fry movie if we don't have the plot in place."