Akshay Kumar is super human being, says Tollywood director G Ashok
Leading Telugu director G Ashok shares a great rapport with B-town superstar Akshay Kumar. They have been in touch after their much-hyped Hindi film ‘Durgamati’. The director has gotten busy in Bollywood with two films ‘UFFF’ and ‘Kuch Khatta Hojaay’ and another big film with a big Bollywood star in the pipeline. The director who made Telugu psychological thriller ‘Bhaagamathie’ talks exclusively to Deccan Chronicle.
Q: You have become quite busy in Bollywood these days?
A: Yes. I am busy making two big Hindi films, so I had to spend a lot of time in Mumbai. I am doing a wholesome entertainer ‘UFFF’ with Shohum Shah and Nushratt Bharucha in the lead. The film is being produced by leading Hindi film director Rajan of Luv Films. Musical Maestro A R Rahman is giving us mellifluous numbers. I am doing another interesting Hindi movie ‘Kuch Khatta Hojaay’ with playback singer-turned- actor Guru Randhawa and Sai Manjrekar with Anupam Kher in a key role. This youthful entertainer will hit the screens this December.
Q: Being a Telugu director, has it been difficult to make Hindi films?
A: I am well-versed in Hindi language so it was much easier to shift to Bollywood. Also. Hindi was my second language in school and college. In fact, I am well versed in 14 languages including Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam and others since I am kind of a polyglot. I love learning new things and enhance my knowledge in varied topics
Q: We heard that you share a special rapport with B-town star Akshay Kumar?
A: After my Hindi film ‘Durgamati’ was released in Hindi, I was called in by Bollywood star Akshay Kumar. We have been in touch since then because he is a super human being first and then a super star. He encourages me a lot and keeps track of things I am doing in Bollywood. He also gives me his precious advice. We are in touch over the phone and discuss a lot of things. Working with him would be a dream for me, but I don't know when it will come true.
Q: Have you bid adieu to Tollywood even after giving blockbusters like ‘Pilla Zamindar’ and ‘Bhaagamathie?
A: No way. I am very much in touch with Telugu stars and producers because I belong to Hyderabad and I am in the process of discussing a couple of projects in Telugu since I love working with Telugu stars. I was just waiting to approach them with the right kind of script and one big film will be taking off soon in Tollywood. I am grateful to the Telugu audience for encouraging me all through from my days of choreographer to director today. So, I intend to strike a balance between Bollywood and Tollywood and dish out varied movies.
