First of all, congratulations on making a really good film, what kind of reaction have you received so far?
Thank you. Well, people seem to have a lot of good things to say about the film. The critics in the US love it. I’m not really complaining.

It’s a script you have nursed for more than six years. What took the film so long to be made?
In retrospect, I feel the time wasn’t right for it back then. Actors were apprehensive about taking on Farhan’s character. Eventually, things changed. The concept of multiplex films developed.

Speaking of Farhan’s character, what according to you made it such a risqué role?
Well, the problem with established actors who are comfortably settled in their images, as I show in the film, is that they are afraid to push the envelope. Farhan’s character is a manipulative charmer. He is a natural. Which makes him, in the conventional sense, a ‘negative character’.

Luck By Chance has a brilliant ensemble cast. How did you manage to bring them together?
Well, when I was scripting the film, I knew I wanted these people. Rishi Kapoor, for instance was meant to be Romi Rolly. He has a brilliant sense of humour and had a lot to give to the character. Similarly, Juhi Chawla said that she will love to do the character when she heard the script. Though it’s a small role, she felt she will never get the opportunity to play such a character.

Konkona Sen Sharma’s character ends up being the protagonist of the film isn’t it?
Actually if you ask me, the film has two protagonists. Vikram (Farhan’s character) and Sona (Konkona’s character). The film uses their stories to explore the industry.

Interestingly, the story of Farhan’s friend in the film ends up being an interesting parallel…
His story was not exactly of failure, but thwarted ambitions. He pretends that he doesn’t care for success in the conventional sense, but you realise that he really does care.

Do you source your material from real experiences?
I have worked in this industry in different capacities. I have interacted with strugglers and yes what you see in the film is quite authentic.

Your next film, Kismat Talkies is based on the industry too, isn’t it?
Actually, Kismat Talkies has been postponed.