‘I’m more cautious in choosing scripts now’
It’s been three decades since versatile actor/filmmaker Arjun Sarja made his foray in tinsel town. Often referred to as ‘Action King’, the filmmaker, known for his patriotic themes is all set with his next directorial venture, Jai Hind 2, which deals with the burning issue of education for all. He talks about how he is committed to making meaningful films, his plans to make a movie in a unique genre for his daughter Aishwarya and being selective about roles at a time when a film’s fate is decided by 140 characters.
What’s Jai Hind 2 all about?
Its central theme is education. It’s been almost 20 years since I worked in Shan kar sir’s Gentleman which also dealt with our education system. There’s only a negligible change since then, and I feel it remains the same even now. A chance reading of a book by former president APJ Abdul Kalam and the current social scenario has forced me to come out with the script of Jai Hind 2. I am not targeting anyone particularly. Like my other films, this one too will be high on action. Surveen Chawla and Simran Kapoor are the female leads.
Looks like you have cut down on your acting assignments?
Not really! I have been getting offers in all languages. Now, with the advent of technology, every member of the audience has become a film critic and reviews films on the social networking media, like Twitter, Facebook and WhatsApp even as they watch the film in the theatre. Hence, I am cautious in selecting my scripts and take on only those that suit my stature.
It’s been a three-decade journey in cinema?
Plus and minuses are there everywhere. I look only at the pluses. That way as an actor, director, producer and distributor, I would say it was a wonderful journey. Now, my daughter Aishwarya has come to acting.
Aishwarya’s debut film, Pattathu Yanai, received a mixed response. We hear that you have taken the onus of directing her next?
Yes, I have readied a couple of scripts for her. One of them is a breezy, romantic film, the other a commercial bilingual. I am also making a film with a major hero, the announcement of which will be made soon.
