After the film ‘Janihit Mein Jari’, a web series ‘The Great Weddings of Munnes’ created by writer, producer, director Raaj Shaandilyaa has been released on Voot Select. This time he has given the responsibility of directing to Sunil Subramani. Raaj Shaandilyaa hasn’t directed any film after ‘Dream Girl’. It has been discussed that Raj is not able to direct any other producer or any other film of his own company due to his tie-up with ‘Dream Girl’ producer Ekta Kapoor. ‘Maskara’ with Varun Dhawan, ‘Kisan’ with Sonu Sood and a biopic of veteran sprinter Fauja Singh have also been announced. In this special conversation with ‘Amar Ujala’, Raaj Shaandilyaa answered the questions arising about his new web series and films with impunity.
It is important to give opportunities to new talents
Writer Raaj Shaandilyaa, who came into limelight by writing comedy shows on television, has been continuously making films and web series ever since he turned producer. As a producer, Raj entrusted the direction of ‘Janhit Mein Jari’ to Jai Basantu Singh and now Sunil Sabramani to direct ‘The Great Weddings of Munnes’. Says Raaj Shaandilyaa, “It has always been my endeavor to bring new talent into the industry. If I can do it and I have the means, I must do it. Young people from all the small towns come to Mumbai to fulfill their dreams. When I came to Mumbai for the first time, I had similar desires. New thinking emerges in cinema only when new artists and technicians get opportunities. And, if we do not give these people a chance, then who will?
Ekta Kapoor’smy relationship with me is not business
After working a lot on television, Raaj Shaandilyaa made the film ‘Dream Girl’ with actor Ayushmann Khurrana. When the film was a super hit, people felt that Raj’s more interesting films would be seen now. But, his second film as a director is yet to start. He says, ‘The reason for this should not be considered my agreement with Ekta Kapoor. The agreement I have with Ekta is not a contract but love. Wherever you get as much love, you will continue to work. Actually, the agreement is with the professional logo. I do not have a professional relationship with Ekta Kapoor but a creative relationship.
‘Dream Girl 2’ date not fixed
After ‘Dream Girl’, Raaj Shaandilyaa has not directed any film himself. When asked about this, he says, ‘Right now I am writing a lot of projects which take a lot of time. As far as direction is concerned, when someone’s film becomes a hit, then people’s expectations from the other film increase a lot. Keeping that thing in mind, I myself am thinking that what should I do now so that I can live up to the expectations of the people. What could be better than before? I have completed the script of ‘Dream Girl 2’. The script of two more films of mine is also ready. Now let’s see which one starts work first.
These three films are also in line
As a director Raaj Shaandilyaa had announced the film ‘Maskara’ a long time ago with Varun Dhawan. When asked about its latest status, Raj Shandilya says, ‘Two years passed in Kovid, then I got busy with other projects. Right now this film with Varun Dhawan will be able to start only next year. I will direct this film myself. On discussing the proposed film ‘Kisan’ with Sonu Sood, Raaj Shaandilyaa says, ‘I am only producing this film. This film will also start in March or April next year itself. Regarding ‘Fauja Singh’, Raaj Shaandilyaa says that this film will now be able to start only in August next year. It will be directed by Omung Kumar but can’t reveal the name of the actor as of now as the paperwork is yet to be completed.
