August 11, 2010 (Sampurn Wire): Sajid Khan, filmmaker of Heyy Baby, Darna Zaroori Hai and Housefull visited Digital Academy – The Film School to share his experiences with students of cinema.

He spoke about his personal journey where he revealed his obsession about watching films and owning the best home theatre money can buy. He said that he and his sister struggled a lot during their childhood, for they did go through a lot of financial problems. He described himself as a poor rich kid because he never had enough money but he did have the best home theatre at that time. He spoke about his love for new film-related technology especially the latest home theatre at his home and very happily said that he lives in a home theatre.

Speaking about his personal life, he shared that the only reason he has not married is because he cannot love another human being more than cinema. He did have a few relationships.

Sajid mentioned that he would rather make a film which is given no stars by the critics but is a box office hit rather than make a film that gets appreciated by the critics and is a commercial flop. When he was a critic, he always criticized films as a viewer.

He said that the greatest high he had experienced was when his film Housefull ran for many weeks. He along with his editor, Akshay Kumar, Ritiesh Deshmukh and other star cast went to Chandan Cinema in Juhu to experience the audience’s reaction on the 20th day after the release. He said that for a director, there is no greater high than seeing the audience enjoy his/her film.

He advised students never to download movies from the net because it kills the experience of watching it from an original DVD and also it is very unfair to the producer and the industry overall.

Speaking about actors, he said that the reason Manmohan Desai could make many films in a year was that he would lure the actors of that time with money which would in return get him the dates. Today’s actors think very differently. They are very professional and committed. They are all looking forward to doing good work and building a brand for themselves by working with talented directors.

Speaking on actor handling, he spoke about his experience with Akshay Kumar. He said that Akshay is very gifted with a knack of comedy. He always knows what antic or situation performed by him will get a reaction from the audience. He said that many a times, after an Ok take, Akshay would suggest another one with an improvised performance. On the editing table, Akshay would prove to be right.

Sajid said that shooting on the set is the easiest thing to do. The difficult portion is the planning, which is very time consuming and the most important thing any filmmaker should do.

Kartikeya Talreja, director of the film school said that it was wonderful to know the first hand experience of a filmmaker, especially from a man who is so obsessed and passionate about films.

Sajid was very happy visiting Digital Academy – The Film School and with the students who were very enthusiastic and passionate about the medium.

–Sampurn Wire