Amitabh Bachchan won the best actor award for The Last Lear. Did you expect the film to win a few?

We can't make films expecting to win awards. But yes, we are very competitive. We love getting awards. It feels great when such ventures win us recognition!

What was your experience working with the Big B?

I was like a fan in front of him. That's what happens when such an enigma works with you. You just keep looking at him with appreciation in your eyes. Coming back to work, he is like everyone says, thoroughly professional. Above all, I found him the happiest person possible. He was in a great mood all the time and kept joking with everyone, which made everything so comfortable.

You have produced a lot of Bengali films. Is that different from Hindi ones? What about the audience?

The biggest difference is in the audience. An off-beat film has a proportionately greater market in Bengali films than in Bollywood. But then, one has to make adjustments and champion the audience's causes. I can't say we have made that difference as yet; but, we did make a dent with Mithya. I hope with our future ventures like I'm 24 and Do Dooni Chaar will only keep getting better.

When did the focus shift from management to film?

I haven't shifted from management to movies. I visit Mumbai only three-four times a year and stays extend by a day or two. Films are an added business interest which my friend and CEO, Shubho Bhattacharya, and his team manage from Mumbai. My role is limited to approving the scripts they select.  

Would you want to act in one of your films?

NO. I won't act in films. Though I think teachers can become truly great if they are great actors as well. I will restrict my act to the teaching stage only.

Any particular actor whom you would like to cast?

Shahrukh Khan, without doubt! He is the actor I would love to cast in our film some day. But there is one problem. He works for very select banners. So, to even think of approaching him and imagining he will be interested, one needs to have a flawless script that is commercially viable as well. I am still waiting for such a script.

Who inspires you the most?

My father. Every time I write my weekly editorial, I need to sit with him for 10 minutes to get 10 hard-hitting ideas! The amount he reads is what makes him. If you meant films, then both Shahrukh and Big B inspire me by their intelligence and ability to speak so flawlessly in public.

Any forthcoming films or projects?

I'm 24 is ready for release. Do Dooni Chaar is being shot in Delhi. There are a couple of other projects we are working upon, but will go on the floors only by the end of the year.

Tuli Banerjee/ DNA-Daily News & Analysis Source: 3D Syndication