You hired Hollywood stunt co-ordinator Dan Bradley for Ghayal Once Again. What kind of action should one expect from the film?
Ghayal was known for its ‘real’ action and the outburst of my character. For this film, I wanted things will be very real and authentic – where you feel the pain and it looks dangerous, not funny. I wanted an action coordinator who believes in such action, and luckily I got Dan. He wanted the speed to be right, the ambience to be absolutely real for every shot. We have largely shot in real locations.
What is the response you have got to the film’s trailer?
They were so beautiful and so moving that they brought tears to my eyes. The appreciation made me feel that all the work that we have done has paid off.
The film has been a dream project for you.
I find my Ghayal character, Ajay Mehra, really interesting; and that why I thought of taking it forward. I wanted to make the film because I felt that the situations have not changed much. This is very relevant. Ghayal Once Again is not a sequel.
Since you have also directed this film, how different is the tone and treatment going to be from the original?
When an earlier film did not do well, I wondered where I had gone wrong and that’s when I decided to work on a realistic script. That’s where I wanted to place my Ghayal.
Do you watch other Bollywood films?
I have not seen many Bollywood films; many a time I haven’t seen my own films! That’s the way I am.
You recently appeared with Salman Khan on Bigg Boss. Any chances of a film together?
If a producer comes with a great script with characters that justifies the presence of both Salman and me, then why not? If Salman and I feel the script is good enough, we would definitely do it.
I have known Salman from donkeys years now; he was with me in Jeet (1996). We are cordial and Salman has a huge amount of respect for me since I am his senior.
Your film Mohalla Assi has not found a release yet.
It is not in my hands, I can’t say anything. It is sad because it’s a good film. Those who have seen it have raved about it. Once Ghayal Once Again releases and becomes a success, Mohalla Assi will be screened. The film is based on a novel.
Will we see you on screen more often?
I am happy to know that people want me to do more films. It’s difficult to find a good script though.
When will your sons continue the Deol tradition and be launched?
Karan will be launched this year as he will turn 24. I will be directing the film. Then we will focus on Rajveer.