(This Interview first published in Ishq Magazine)
Kunal Kohli arrived in London on the 11th of Novemeber 2010 to promote his first non Yash Raj Films production “Break Ke Baad”. He spent the whole next day with the Brit-Asian media, promoting the Imran Khan and Deepika Padukone starrer. I had the opportunity to get the last interview, just before he was leaving for something.
- Why did you decide to promote the film in the UK and US at last minute?
I had always planned to come to the UK and US. They are important and growing markets. Imran is a relatively new actor. He has been around for 2 to 3 years. I think he needs all the push that he can get and should get in the UK. Karan Johar (Producer of Imran Khan starrer I Hate LUV Storys) did a wonderful job of promoting him here. I am trying to take that here on further. - You have co produced TPTM with YRF before. This is your first production independently. How was your experience?
I think it was very nice and a learning experience. I am very happy to be a producer. It gives me joy to see into every minute detail and make sure that everyone else is happy. - How much involvement did you have on the sets of Break Ke Baad ?
I was on the sets a lot but I was never on sets to check up what was happening and not to interfere. I just made sure that everything is going good. I just went on the sets because I love being on the sets and it was a lovely and friendly set with a lot of nice people. So I actually just went on set to meet the lovely people. - Did you ever have the urge to get involved with anything on the set like a director does?
No, I was very clear from the start that Danish Aslam is directing it and he will do a good job of it. So I had no urges to say anything except: “Can I have some tea please?” (laughing) - Danish has assisted you on your previous projects. How did he come up with Break Ke Baad?
I knew that Danish Aslam will make a good director one day. After Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic I thought that he is ready to be a director and asked him whether he has a script.
He gave me a 20 page concept of Break Ke Baad and 47 drafts later we had a script (laughing). - How much involvement did you have in the script writing ?
I did contribute a bit to the script but not enough to be called a writer. That is why the story credit is Danish and Renukha. They consulted me all through the process and we worked together on the script. - The music of Break Ke Baad is very different. Danish Aslam did not want any promotional songs or remixes initially but did end up with both . How did that happen ?
This was just one of the jokes, that you say in-house with your crew. He thought he did not need one, but after we talked about it he agreed that it won’t harm anyone. - Imran-Deepika, was that always your first choice ?
Yes, they were. Imran was in and out of the film. He first agreed, but then left because of script issues, however came back after we made changes to the script. It was in and out for Imran so he came into the film “ Break Ke Baad” (after a break). But once Deepika Padukone was confirmed she remained on the project. - Will we see you back as a director soon ? Will you produce your upcoming projects yourself?
Of course, I am primarily a filmmaker and will always be one. I am starting a film with Saif Ali Khan very soon. Yes, I will produce it and I have always been involved with the production of my films in some way or the other.
After the interview, I found out that Kunal was suffering from food poisoning and was heading out to buy medicine when I arrived. He did make an appearance at CHAK89 in London to promote the film with Imran Khan. He aborted his promotional trip to the States and went back to Mumbai instead.
Also, He recently confirmed that Priyanka Chopra and Shahid Kapoor will be in his next directorial venture. Nobody really knows why Saif Ali Khan was ousted from the film.
(This Interview first published in Ishq Magazine) Photos: Sunny Malik
