Embarrassed by my work: R Balki

Like all films, Ki & Ka posed a certain set of challenges. The first one was to make the film look grand even in a middle class setting. I wanted it to look opulent but at the same time, simple.

Fortunately for me, my art director Rupin Suchak is a phenomenal guy. I told him that my hero is a train freak and that I want the house to incorporate that. I was hesitant that the set may end up looking like a museum, but Rupin did such an incredible job of it.

Also, this is the first time that I went to Bhushan Kumar (of T series) to produce music for me. Ilayaraja is the music director but I still wanted inputs from Bhushan. I am glad that the association worked beautifully and I am very happy with the film’s music.

The third challenge was, “how to make Arjun gentle?” But I think he solved that problem for me by underplaying his voice and gestures. It’s not the kind of thing women want in a man traditionally — at least not from Arjun because he’s so loud usually. Apart from this, it’s the first time that my wife Gauri (Shinde) and I were shooting our respective films simultaneously and I think we both managed quite well.  

As a director, I have always been embarrassed of my ads and films. I squirm and never see any of my films once they release. After watching every film, I feel that I should redo everything. I am sure that even with Ki & Ka that stage will come very soon.

In fact, when my ads come on television, I change the channel as I get very embarrassed. I was forced to watch Paa repeatedly as various screenings were held. I also watched Shamitabh fully and I think that was a mistake (laughs).