You already have written an autobiography in Telugu. Is this different?
It’s partly similar. It has more of a national perspective, and draws more from my Bollywood years, and has more for the audience that saw me post-Rangeela.
Are your films essentially about the gangfights you saw in college?
There are class-room influences which carried over. The psychological aspects of characters encouraged me as well.
Do directors need to be ‘master manipulators’?
The medium should exist to create a specific emotion. Yes, a fair bit of manipulation is required.
Do you think your tremendous output of films burnt you out?
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Yes and no. It did allow me a greater variation.
You laugh about your flops in the book. Would you do them, say Aag, differently?
I think I was making a caricature of the original. This time I would take the original plot and go from there.
Why are you so angry with journalists?
I just made my views on the media. I wasn’t targeting specific journalists.
You have said Aamir Khan is wrong to talk about intolerance. Why?
I think I was wrong in my reaction. I believe that Aamir spoke in good faith.
Will there be an RGV comeback film?
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Yes, I’m planning that one. I’m shifting to Mumbai this week.
Do you think the censor board is playing nanny?
It is ridiculous that in an age where anyone can watch anything online that you are working on guidelines laid down in 1952. It’s juvenile.
In the dedications to your book, there is Tori Black, the porn star. Why her?
I like people who have clarity about their work. I saw an interview of hers, was taken by her strength of character.
