Bollywood’s outsider

A series of controversies notwithstanding, Kaizad Gustad has preserved much of his sanity thanks to fiercely guarding his “outsider” status in an industry rife with dynasties and camps. Gustad, who was on a sabbatical from films after 'Bombil and Beatrice' that released back in 2007, is now making a comeback with 'Jackpot'.

He says, “I love the idea that you shouldn’t be living and breathing films. There are many influences in life that subconsciously inspire me to make films. But I don’t watch films or get caught up in any rat race. I don’t believe in a PR to keep me in the news. I am an outsider in the film industry; I don’t have to worry about pressures that come along with Bollywood. I have the least knowledge about what others in the film world are doing. I read a lot of fiction and I prefer to let life influence me, so I have my own ideas. It’s a better idea to let the audience be surprised by your work.”

Gustad tells us that he hardly has any friends within the industry and he prefers it that way. “All my friends are non industry people and I like that. We don’t sit and talk about films; there are so many other things to discuss,” he says.

The director tells us that 'Jackpot' wasn’t something he planned. Yet everything worked out perfectly. He says, “Sachiin J Joshi was the first one to come onboard. He came up with the idea of working together and when I told him about my idea for Jackpot, he loved it. I needed the right backing that Sachiin provided. We then met Sunny Leone over dinner. She read the script overnight and the next day she called to say she’s on. Naseeruddin Shah too read the script and did not take much time before he agreed. It’s a plot driven film with an ensemble cast. The film is set over one monsoon season in Goa.” While the director is gung-ho about 'Jackpot', when asked if he has any other projects in the pipeline he says, “I have a couple of ideas. Right now I’m busy with Jackpot’s release but in a month I hope to be working on my next project.”