Chak De had SRK after all, says Yash Chopra

Madhuri, as usual, is fantastic and magical. I wanted her to do Aaja Nachle; when the script was narrated to her she was very excited and agreed to do the film instantly. In fact, she is coming to India soon to take part in the promotions for the film.

Yash Raj Films has another film in queue Roadside Romeo and you have collaborated with Walt Disney for the film’s animation. Do you think animation films work in India?

Animation is a big field today and definitely needs to be explored. It has tremendous scope, though it involves a lot of time and money, and who better than Walt Disney to do the honours?

It is said that when you cast established actors with new directors the film does well at the box office. Is there any chemistry? Can the same be expected from Anil Mehta (Aaja Nachle) and Jugal Hansraj (Roadside Romeo)?

Anil has assisted me earlier so I am aware of the kind of good work he does. When Jugal came up with the script of Roadside Romeo, we thought he showed the spark of directorial talent. Both the films will definitely do well.

You started the trend of roping in a set of directors to make films under your banner. Karan Johar and Ram Gopal Varma followed suit. What kind of criteria do you follow while choosing newcomers?

Yash Raj Films has always welcomed new talent — be it in the line of direction, choreography, designing, music or any aspect of film making. Besides audiences like new things and different concepts, and ideas come out of different minds. If the director has talent and potential, our team is bound to give him a chance.

Everyone knows you as the ultimate Pasha of romance. But despite your last directorial venture Veer Zaara garnering the accolades, you don’t seem to wield the directorial baton all that often...

Veer Zaara was a film which redefined the definition of romance as we know it, besides going a long way in promoting good relations between India and Pakistan. So you see, I do a certain genre of films only; I can’t do action and crime. I can do films based on human relations only for which I do not get topics easily. I am a director first and then a producer: whenever I find subject which moves me enough, I direct. But then, don’t forget I have a studio to look after.

2007 saw maximum number of Yash Raj Films, what’s in line for 2008?

There are six films lined up for next year. Road Side Romeo will also release arround June 2008.

Do you believe that merely a good script can work sans the support of a huge star cast, especially, considering the success of a movie like Chak De?