Romesh Sharma, a very close friend of the Bachchan (he was Jaya Bachchan’s co-star in one of her best films Doosri Sita) produced and directed Dil Jo Bhi Kahey, which turned 19 this week, to launch his son Karan. Karan Sharma may not have been the best star-son in the Bollywood galaxy, and his dad Romesh Sharma is perhaps not justified in spending on a lavish launch pad for his son. But, there was an honesty of purpose and an aesthetic correctness about Dil Jo Bhi Kahey. That Amitabh Bachchan played Karan Sharma’s father is providential. The mega star doesn’t have that much to do. Yet, Amitabh Bachchan readily agreed to play Romesh Sharma’s son father.
When I ventured to ask him if he did it as favour, Mr Bachchan schooled me dynamics of a genuine friendship. “Favour to my friend? That doesn’t sound right. That’s harsh . It robs the genuine emotions attached to my participation in the project. Billoo(Romesh Sharma) is a dear friend. He’s been preparing a platform to get his son on his feet. He wanted me to be part of the project and I said yes. That’s all. This isn’t the first time that I worked with Romesh. He was around as an assistant for the films that I did with Yashraj, he was my producer in Hum. He’s like family.As a director, he’s competent and well-prepared. He’s a gold medallist from the Pune Film Institute. So his basics are in place. He has produced several projects, done tv as well, owns studios and his father was one of the most recognized figures in the film trade. So a lot of factors have worked in his favour.”
About the debutant Karan Sharma who couldn’t make any headway in his career Mr Bachchan said, “This entire new generation comes fully prepared knowing what it wants to do and where it wants to go. Karan is no exception. This film gives him ample opportunity to do all that’s desired by a leading man.And he delivers”
Mr Bachchan was also excited about working with Revathy for the first time . “She’s an exceptional artiste. I’ve loved and admired her in several Tamil films. It’s an absolute honour to work with her.”
