After successfully learning the ropes of filmmaking with F.A.L.T.U and ABCD, the modest but talented choreographer Remo D’Souza is ready with his first starcast film -- ABCD 2. He discusses the A to Z of his experience with us.
Once again you are making a dance film in ABCD 2. Can you ever make a film without the emphasis being on dance?
No. I don’t think so any of my films will ever be without dance. Even if it’s an action film or a drama, I will still add dance in it. But don’t you want to tap other aspects of your personality?
Of course I want to hence I am making an action film (Turbanator with Tiger Shroff). In fact, my first film F.A.L.T.U was not a dance film; it was an educational film which culminated in a dance. There are hundreds of films that have 10 songs in it but are still dubbed as action movies or love stories. ABCD was a dance movie but it had an emotional story and now ABCD 2 is a very emotional film too.
Why did you choose Varun Dhawan to play the dancer?
I don’t think anyone else could have done Suresh’s role. I have worked with Varun during Student of the Year as a choreographer. He is a very emotional guy, very fun loving and most importantly, he looks convincing as a leader. And he is a fantastic dancer!
Was Shraddha your first choice for this film?
After Varun came on board, the topic of the heroine came up and I told him that the last time we had signed Lauren Gottlieb but this time my script needs an Indian girl. Varun suggested Shraddha’s name but I shot back, “I have never seen her dancing.” When I met her, she was very bubbly and enthusiastic. We call her “Enthu-cutlet” and in the film her name is “Enthu kachori.” I told her that I knew she was a good actor but I needed to see her dance, she volunteered to audition! Not many actors audition for roles. She danced so passionately, there was no way I could not take her.
Who according to you is a better dancer -- Varun or Shraddha Kapoor?
Everyone knows Varun Dhawan is a good dancer but no one has seen Shraddha dancing. She will surprise everyone now that she has come in the limelight. Trust me, both are superb dancers.
This is your first starcast film. What are the pros and cons of working with established stars?
When you have stars in your film; the challenges are many. When I signed Varun after Student of the Year, I didn’t know he would become such a big star. But thank God; it’s good for the film. For the first ABCD, no one was willing to back me. I remember many big producers told me ‘If you switch on the TV you will see 50 different dances; so what new are you going to make?’ But Disney supported me.
How did you get Prabhu Deva on board?
When I went to him for the first part, he told me three Okays. I told him I want to make a film with you (“Okay”); I want to make a dance film with you (“Okay”) and it will be in 3D (“Okay”). When I told him, I am making a sequel he said - you guessed right -- “Okay”. Even though he is a big star, he is so down-to-earth and acts as if he is a newcomer.
The major part of the film has been shot in Las Vegas, USA. Did you all visit any dance clubs in Vegas?
Trust me; each and every member of my unit visited the dance clubs ... but not me. No one invited me! I was accompanied by my family and you can’t take kids there. My wife kept postponing the idea of going to a dance club. On the last day, Varun told me ‘There is an awesome club that we would like to take you to.’ I got all dressed up ... but no one turned up! I guess they felt that if sir comes, we won’t be able to do any masti in front of him.
Why didn’t you approach your Jhalak Dikhla Jaa co-judge Madhuri Dixit for ABCD 2?
I didn’t approach Madhuri for ABCD 2, but if I do a film with her, it definitely has to be “A Madhuri Dixit Film”! I don’t want to cast her in a small role. She has told me ‘Whenever you are ready with it, please let me know.’