Joining the young brigade of the young, ‘cool’ but not restless new age helmers Danish Aslam considers himself to be lucky to bring b-town’s popular charmers Imran and Deepika together for the first time. Relaxed after completing his first maiden venture as director Danish believes that love stories are here to stay. In a brief chat with Vishal Verma, Danish reveals some unknown facts about his forthcoming film ‘Break Ke Baad’.

Congratulations for completing your first film?

Thanks.

How different is ‘Break Ke Baad’ from other love stories?

A love story has always been the same. I mean the basics is always the same only the treatment, situations, settings, the attitude changes from time to time.

It’s been promoted as a coming of age musical rom com, so what’s coming of age in your debut venture?

As I said earlier a Bollywood love story basically remains the same. Boy meets girl they have different opinions then they start seeing each other, they part ways then they meet again. Coming of age in ‘Break Ke Baad’ is the feel which is very in, the atmosphere is airy; it speaks the language of today’s youth. Any city or small town boy and girl can easily identify with the characters of Imran and Deepika.

Coming to your lead pair, how did you zeroed down on Imran and Deepika?

Initially Imran was not keen for this film as that point of time the story was different. A few days passed by, then one day I met Imran we sat chatted normally and during this conversation we discussed this film and Imran agreed. Deepika on the other hand instantly said yes and my lead pair was ready.

When Imran said no initially, what other options you had in your mind?

All the actors in the same age group where there.

Was Ranbir also in the list?

Yeah, but the role best suited to Imran and later on he agreed.

Does the height difference between Imran and Deepika cause any problem?

No not at all. It’s a myth that Deepika appears taller than Imran. In fact both look like a great pair on screen and I’m surprised why nobody before thought of casting them together in the lead.

Imran follows Aamir footsteps, he studies his role, what efforts were made for this one?

Imran didn’t have to act at all in my film. This is the easiest bit of job he has ever done. The character he plays is that of a committed guy in love who believes in the institution of marriage and Imran is just like that in real life.

Imran gets involved in his film, any inputs from his side or the producer Kunal Kohli?

There was no interference, yes considerable inputs not only from Imran but everybody chipped in. Deepika and others. We use to discuss our scenes before actually shooting. Kunal is a great producer he gave me a free hand in my debut film.

A Bollywood love story is incomplete without music… What makes you swear by the music of this film?

Firstly, the songs are penned by noted lyricist Prasoon Joshi and music is done by Vishal and Shekhar, a never-before-seen combination. Prasoon composed several lyrics of the film while sitting in different parts of the world sending it via mobile phone.

I remember, Prasoon was stuck at the Heathrow Airport due to the volcanic eruption in Ireland and he was constantly typing new lyrics for Break Ke Baad and messaging them to me. In fact, Prasoon even kept typing when he was sitting in the flight.

I’m so glad that his film would be the first to see these chaste Hindi compositions being transformed into “young rock music” by two “mental, really mad” music directors Vishal and Shekhar.

How much truth is in the banning of cell phones story?

It’s all rubbish. It’s true that I put a fine on those whose cell phones rang on the set but the money was used to buy beer at the end of the day. In fact, people got so excited that they purposely let their phones ring for fun.

Deepika always remembered to keep her phone off, Imran’s phone rang on a few occasions and he was forced to pay a penalty of Rs 5000.

Now the film will be hitting the theatres how much you are satisfied with your work?

I go through different feelings at different times. Sometimes when I wake up in the morning thinking I have just made the worst film in the world and by afternoon I think maybe I should get an Oscar for it. And in the evening again, I am terrified.