In a first for Yash Raj Films (YRF), Aditya Chopra will introduce and promote you as a producer for Dum Laga Ke Haisha to be directed by debutant Sharat Katariya. Were you surprised?’ I wasn’t surprised as I have had a fairly long association with Adi (Aditya Chopra). I was an assistant on Fanaa, assistant director on Aaja Nach Le and Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, before I directed three films (Band Baaja Baaraat, Ladies V/S Ricky Bahl and Shuddh Desi Romance) for YRF. There were times when he would talk about grooming producers. I could understand that somewhere he wanted to institutionalise the brand YRF and was looking into all kinds of talent, besides the actors, directors and technicians that the studio already has. I was in the midst of post-production of Shuddh Desi Romance and jabbing on concepts with Sharat who is a friend. I liked the script of Dum Laga Ke Haisha and pitched it to Adi. He said if I really liked it, I could produce it. With YRF signing a three-film contract, is this a business strategy to keep talent within the company? In my case, it was not a hold back, as I was still directing for them. FAN, my next, will be my fourth film with YRF. But yes, you can say that. Though it has not been articulated between Adi and me but somewhere I guess, the vision that with more producers like me in YRF, will give him the space to direct films himself. Also, as a company one is looking out for varied sensibilities as so much more different kind of cinema is being made. As a producer would you be investing your money in projects? No, I don’t invest my money in the project or any other film that I produce, and yet, I have a three-film contract with the company, with the clause of profit sharing. I get financial support from YRF, besides the marketing and distribution, not to mention production and technical staff. It’s a win-win situation for me, as without the headache of running a company, I get to be a producer. How will your film be presented? Will you have your own banner? No, it will be Aditya Chopra presents Dum Laga Ke Haisha, produced by Maneesh Sharma, like it was Yash Chopra presents, produced by Aditya Chopra. Production involves diverse responsibilities as more decisions need to be taken. Have you learnt all this from your previous films? Having assisted in films before I became a director, I was always aware of working within a certain budget. My first film, Band Baaja Baaraat had elaborate song and dance sequences, and outdoor shooting, and I had to learn to keep a leash on the finances, while not compromising creatively. But yes, I have more responsibilities, so in that sense I am on a new wicket. Otherwise, I feel the same as I am as involved mentally and emotionally in the project, as I would be as a director.
