If it’s Aamir Khan, it’s interference. From award-winning editors to

the most genial spotboy, all claim that he is a control freak. Which, on

a positive note, may be construed as a quest for perfectionism.

After Amol Gupte, the original director of Taare Zameen Par, threw in

the towel, news is that all is not exactly hunky dory in the case of Jaane

Tu Ya Jaane Na, the debut film of his nephew Imran Khan. Talk

abounds that there have been ‘creative differences’ between Mr

Perfectionist and the film’s writer-director Abbas Tyrewala.

Now the question is: Is Khan the only Mr Know-all around? The

answer would be NO.. because almost every star in Bollywood today

wants to be in the director’s shoes. Besides the absurd amount of

crores that are being charged by the stars, practically all the ones in the

A-list are behaving like quasi-directors.

Maybe they are just following the tracks laid by some yesteryear

greats.. Dilip Kumar has admitted to ghost directing many films,

including the classic Ganga Jumna, but his inputs were not always

welcome. The industry grapevine then buzzed about the legendary

movie moghul’s A R Kardar’s ill-health and untimely death being

caused by Dilip Kumar’s interference during the making of Dil Diya

Dard Liya.

Others like Raaj Kumar and Rajesh Khanna gave their directors a hard

time when their wishes (better lines, co-stars’ scenes chopped..) were

ignored. Projects were often abandoned because the producer went

bankrupt trying to keep their films afloat.

If Aamir Khan’s interference is an open secret, Sanjay Dutt’s recent

penchant for calling the shots is largely unknown to those outside the

film industry.If Aamir Khan’s interference is an open secret, Sanjay

Dutt’s recent penchant for calling the shots is largely unknown to those

outside the film industry. Dutt, once known as the director’s actor,

today often decides on camera angles and the right take. If the

unitwallas of Kidnap are to be believed, Dutt was the ‘creative’ leader

and director Sanjay Gadhvi the perfect follower.

Know all
Salman Khan has also become infamous for his temper tantrums and

his I-know-more-than-anyone-else attitude. During the shooting of

Tere Naam he was so unhappy with the way the film was shaping up

that he even slapped director Satish Kaushik. Being a writer’s son and

a writer himself, Salman believes he’s always on the right track.

Incidentally, he started his career as an assistant director to Sashilal

Nair during Falak and Parivaar.. so the desire to call the shots is not

surprising.

All’s well
Shiney Ahuja has come in for criticism by some directors

(off-the-record, of course). Recently, Kunal Shivdasani (Hijack), went

on record, at pains to clarify rumours that Ahuja was not interfering at

all.. and that he’s a friend. Hrithik Roshan has learnt the tricks of his

trade with his own production banner.

Ashutosh Gowariker reportedly had to get the video monitor removed

after the first few days’ of the Jodhaa-Akbar shoot. Hrithik,

narcissisitically, insists on checking out every take and suggesting (?)

which one should be used.

Approach Nana Patekar for a film and instead of asking for a story

narration, he humbly asks the director why he thought of casting him?

So far so good. The director is touched with Nana’s courtesy but the

story on the sets is unbelievable. Patekar is always ready with

suggestions on how to ‘enhance the project.’ The director has to grin,

bear it and also execute it.