New Delhi: Divya Khosla had come to Mumbai from Delhi as a model, but destiny has transformed her into a director. Her first project 'Yaariyan' is hitting the screens on January 10, 2014. She opens her heart in a candid chat about her film, marriage, struggle and competition with 'Dedh Ishqiya'.
Q: It's been a roller coaster ride for you in Mumbai as you were a model when you came from Delhi.
A: Yes, I am from Delhi and I started modelling at the age of 18. I shifted to Mumbai when I was 20 and did a film 'Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Saathiyo' opposite Akshay Kumar and Bobby Deol. Then I got married to Bhushan Kumar and started to learn behind the camera technicalities. I learnt cinematography, editing and started to direct music videos. I directed many music videos for Pankaj Udhas, Mithun, Sukhbir, Adnan Sami, Michael Jackson's brother Jermaine Jackson and many other projects. Some of them became really popular and then I gained the confidence that yes, I can direct a film as well.
Q: Bhushan Kumar is your husband. Did that help you in your journey?
A: It was obviously a challenge as my husband had to be confident of my abilities. T-Series is his father's company and Bhushan is emotionally attached to it, so he wouldn't give me a budget just because I am his wife. When I could prove my abilities then he gave a 'go ahead' to the project.
See, people will always say things, but I want to say them that T-Series is in a way my father-in-law's company and even my husband thinks himself as an employee of the company, and he is very careful about the reputation of the banner. So, if I don't make a film which meets his standards that would harm the reputation of the banner. So, I had to prove myself in front of him, and that was a struggle.
Q: I have heard that you were a good debater in your school.
A: I have been very creative since my childhood as I participated in debates, wrote poems and short stories. Now, I am exploring my creative side in direction that too in a modest budget.
Q: How much is the budget of 'Yaariyan'?
A: It's as much as Aashiqui 2's budget.
Q: That means it's close to Rs 20 crore.
A: (Laughs) The production budget was Rs 11 crore barring the publicity budget.
Q: I was just wondering why you chose to make your first film with a new star-cast? You could have easily approached established stars.
A: See, I am a girl who sees every new development in life as a challenge. It's like a big mountain for me which I have to climb, conquer and cross. As a new director I would rather break the norms rather than following the traditional path. Most of the debutant directors go with the stories that have two or three characters because those are easier to handle in some departments. So, it was another challenge for me.
Q: The response to the trailer is satisfactory?
A: Amit Jee has praised it, Salman praised it, and many other praised it.
Q: Was choreography a conscious decision?
A: I have choreographed five songs in the film as well, and direction of course was a tough task. Here I am looking nice and good, but on the sets I was not concerned about anything else than the film.
Q: But, your film is releasing against 'Dedh Ishqiya'.
A: (Smiles) I will just say that the god is with me. I am very positive about it as this has been my struggle since 12 years. I think I am going to achieve a part of my dream with 'Yaariyan'.
Q: What's the premise of 'Yaariyan'?
A: It's a youth based subject. 'Yaariyan' is a young film, so youth as a genre will be displayed in the film. I could put drama, action, adventure, drama, romance anything into it. I have tried to make an entertaining commercial film, at the same time it has got depth. There is not just one conflict, when you're young there are a lot of conflicts, with parents, with yourself and so on. Hormones are raging inside you, so 'Yaariyan' is a case study of all these things.
Q: What if your film becomes an instant success?
A: (Laughs) I will give complete credit to the almighty. Otherwise you wouldn't be seeing a girl coming from Delhi and directing a film without any prior industry contacts.####
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