Rock-solid director's back

Rock-solid director's back

By Debashine Thangevelo

He gained a foothold in the cut-throat Bollywood industry as an actor in 1996. But with only three films (Ashique Mastana, Uff Yeh Mohabbat and Shikar) to his credit in a five-year time frame, it was clear that Kapoor's acting career was going nowhere fast.

"Prior to that, I was inactive for many years. I started out as an actor, but the films didn't do really well. At the time, I simply chose not to do bad work," Kapoor candidly offers.

As a director, Kapoor isn't obsessed with commercial cinema - his vision is bent towards unconventional offerings, as was established with his directorial debut, Aryan, in 2006.

He adds, "Unlike in the past, there is space for alternative cinema today. Aryan is the story of an aspiring athlete, a boxer, and his frustrations. I wrote the script because I felt passionate about telling that particular human interest story."

Does this mean his acting career will now take a backseat?

"Yes, of course, directing is a full- time job and it consumes you," Kapoor confirms.

On Rock On, which he also wrote, he offers: "It is about four friends in a rock band making their comeback after 10 years and their soul- searching journey into the past. It is very character-driven."

The musical drama stars Arjun Rampal, Purab Kohli, Luke Kenny, Farhan Akhtar and Prachi Desai.

Interestingly, he didn't have these actors in mind when he etched the characters for his film. He laughs: "I just had characters in my head and developed personalities. They come from different social stratas and religious backgrounds. The cast, fortunately, fits the characters like a glove."

With music being the mainstay, it was imperative that it complemented the story.

Kapoor nods. "While writing the script, I used to listen to a lot of rock music and used that as a reference for the sound I wanted for my film. Of course, Shankar Ehsaan Loy, the famed musical trio, was the obvious choice," he points out.

On why he didn't go with an established film actress, he reasons: "I didn't want to cast a big star who carries their own image as it would be detrimental to the character. I thought Prachi would be perfect."

Interestingly, Akhtar, an established director, will be making his acting debut in this movie. I asked him whether it is trying to direct a director.

"Initially, I was a little pressured - he is one of the top directors," he confesses . "But after a couple of days, he was just an actor. He was amazing, as was the entire cast."

Of course, that doesn't mean that he didn't have his fair share of challenges.

"There are some really serious big rock concerts performed live and trying to do justice to that, as it was an immense shoot with lots of people, was a challenge. We had the guys perform in one go and we captured the scenes with multiple cameras."

Rock On was shot in and around Bombay and Kapoor says that the film is faithful to his vision.

He will be taking a short break until he "locks in" on his next film.

"I believe my forté is drama, but I would like to explore different genres in the future as I want to test my skills."

# Rock On is currently on the movie circuit.

Via:tonight