As ‘Mujhse Shaadi Karogi’ continues to enjoy a cult following even after 22 years of its release, before the film’s release on 30 July, the writer-director. Me Bazmee he looks back on the film with great appreciation, while admitting that if he were writing it today, it would be a very different story. In an exclusive interview with ETimes, Bazmee spoke about the enduring popularity of the film, his style of writing, creating memorable characters, his long association with. Akshay Kumarand why he believes that a memorable film is always the result of a good collaboration.
Anees Bazmee reveals that she wrote Mujhse Shaadi Karoge on her own
Considering the success of Salman KhanAkshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra star, Bazmee attributes his popularity to a number of creative factors that come together seamlessly. Anees points out, “I believe that any film that continues to be loved over the years succeeds because many things fall at the right time. Strong script, effective direction, acting, music, visuals—everything helps. In Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, many of the aspects worked very well, and that’s why the audience still enjoys watching it.“Interestingly, Bazmee revealed that he wrote the film with the intention of directing it himself. “I had written it myself. I wanted to direct the film. But David Dhawan and Sajid Nadiadwala are very close friends. David had already directed ‘Deewana Mastana’, which I had written, and after that we did not work together for a long time. When they expressed their desire to make this film, I happily gave them the script because of the friendship and beliefs we shared,” he said.When asked what if he wrote ‘Mujhse Shaadi Karoge’ today, would there be any change in the film, Bazmee was quick to reply, “I have changed a lot as a person and as a writer. My thoughts, beliefs, and understanding of life have changed over the years. If I write Mujhse Shaadi Karoge today, it will definitely not grow in the same way as any writer. The writer admitted that although the film is still a favorite, he would approach it very differently today.Known for making memorable characters, Mr Bazmee said stories and social development go hand in hand. He said, “I always start with the story, what will happen in the film. But the most important thing is how likable and interesting the people are. In real life, there are also people you remember because you enjoy being with them. Films work in the same way.” Bazmee believes that audiences are naturally attracted to a unique personality on screen. “Most people in everyday life are quite ordinary. That’s why when the audience sees an interesting character in films, they immediately connect with them,” he explains.
Bazmee portrays the character in “Welcome” Mushtaq Bhai.
“He wasn’t even the main character in such a big film, but people still remember him because of his amazing personality and dialogue. That’s the power of well-written characters.” Bazmee says his writing style changes depending on the project. Sometimes he watches another actor while writing, while other times he edits the script after filming.“When I was writing ‘Singh Is King’, Akshay Kumar was always in my mind because I had a great experience working with him in ‘Welcome’. According to him, it is the writer’s responsibility to understand the strengths and limitations of each actor.” Every player has certain qualities that shine, and there are places where they are uncomfortable. The writer should highlight his strengths and avoid revealing the weaknesses. This is how one becomes an employee,” said the director.
As Nana Patekar inspired Uday Shetty and the ‘Uday Control’ moment entered the script
Bazmee also shared how interacting with Nana Patekar helped her recreate Uday Shetty’s character in ‘Welcome’. “Nana ji was always in my mind while writing the part. But when I met her, I realized that instead of making her shout every time she gets angry, as the audience expected, I thought it would be funny if she restrained herself. That’s how the famous ‘Uday Shetty … control’ moment entered the script.“Anees, however, also says that writers cannot be dependent on one actor. “You can dream about another actor playing a part, but if that doesn’t happen, you can’t let the one and a half years of writing go to waste. You have to be useful,” he says.
Bazmee often watches his own films
Although he has written several popular films, Bazmee admits that he does not watch them after they are released. “Most of the time I don’t even watch my movies. But my family, friends and supporters watch them and tell me what they like. The fun part is that everyone’s favorite movie is different. Some like ‘Swarg’, some ‘Shola Aur Shabnam’, some ‘Aankhen’, some ‘Ladla’. Whenever I see them playing at home, I watch a few scenes.“Looking back on ‘Mujhse Shaadi Karogi’, Bazmee remembers what happened. “It was a fun film to write and work on. Salman Khan and I have always been very close. Akshay and I had worked together before and we always had fun on the sets. David Dhawan and Sajid Nadiadwala were like family to me. Priyanka Chopra was new at the time, and everyone brought amazing energy to the film”.