All I can say that I was not out of job, I was busy setting up my film institute Whistling Woods International. It was equivalent to making 10 films at the same time. Now that my work is done, I am back as a full-time director, ready to give you one film every year.

Are you moving away from your characteristic entertainers?

Not at all. Black & White may be a serious film but Yuvraj is a musical. Black deals with two conflicting human emotions, love and hatred, in their extreme. I am making a statement about an important topical issue. In this film, I have expressed myself, without thinking about box office returns.

Was it difficult making Black & White within a small budget?

Yes, it was difficult since I’m not used to shoestring budgets. But the script didn’t demand huge sets. We shot in real locations, in the by-lanes of Chandni Chowk and near Red Fort in Delhi. Anil Kapoor hid from his fans in a burqa.

Anil Kapoor continues to be your favourite.

He suited the character in Black. He is getting younger each day, and more endearing.

After Mahima Chaudhary, none of the heroines you introduced could make a mark in the industry. Are you disappointed?

I will keep introducing many more heroines. They too will be successful. These things can’t be predicted, like the rise and fall of Sensex.

What do you think about the forthcoming remake of Karz?

I am thrilled. I was happy about Om Shanti Om too when they told me they would make a reference to Karz in the film. Am I a fool to charge people of plagiarism? But I am not keen to make a remake of any of my earlier films.

Why, do you think Mukta Arts’ latest production, Bombay to Bangkok, did such poor business?