Post the success of 102: Not Out, veteran actors Amitabh Bachchan and Rishi Kapoor were to share screen space once again in Sudhir Mishra’s Pehle Aap Janab. However, after an announcement, the film didn’t take off and reports of the film getting shelved surfaced. But, the director confirms that the film is still on the cards.
Refuting rumours, Sudhir says, “I am going to make it, come what may. It was initially called Mehrunisa, and then, Pehle Aap Janab. It’s a film about friends from Lucknow, and so, is an ode to friendship and Lucknow. I will make it after three years.”
Ask Sudhir if Rishi and Amitabh will still be part of the project and he says, “They are always on board as far as I am concerned, so I will make it. In the next few years, I will be making something else but I can assure you, the film is not shelved. It is a very good story.”
One recalls that Sudhir was the one to introduce Chitrangda Singh to the industry as the actress made her acclaimed debut with Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi. Apparently, there’s space for her in Pehle Aap Janab, as well.
Briefing us on the actress’s participation in the project, the Yeh Saali Zindagi director says, “At that point (when the film was announced), she was there but after that, the film didn’t take off. It also depends on her dates and what she is doing when the film is being made,” and adds, “Whenever there is a part for her, we will collaborate. People used to mistakenly think that I always make films only with her. I will make a film with her because she is a wonderful actor. The time is right for her as well as she is doing a lot of work.”
Meanwhile, Sudhir will be making his debut in the digital space with Applause Entertainment’s Hostages, a crime thriller featuring Tisca Chopra and Ronit Roy. The Inkaar director feels it’s liberating to explore this space.
“For filmmakers like me, who have so many stories to tell, digital is a liberating space for us. I love telling stories from different perspectives and this show has a great premise. This show is very layered. The only rule is you have to keep the audience engaged. Hostages is exciting and engaging and I am glad I am making my web debut with this project,” he says.
