Releasing to rave reviews is director Advait Chandan‘s romance with lots of comedy, a true rom-com, Loveyapa. The film features Khushi Kapoor and Junaid Khan, who give terrific performances as Gucci and Bani. The director talks to Subhash K Jha about the young actors and the film, which he said in his review soars!
You have been closely associated with Junaid through his father, Aamir Khan, whom you have directed in Secret Superstar and Laal Singh Chaddha?
I’ve known Junaid for almost 20 years now. He’s always been a very grounded person. In fact, when I bought my first car after Secret Superstar, he said what a waste of money autos are so convenient.
What was it like directing him after knowing him from his childhood?
On set, he’s a complete team player. He is concerned about taking a lunch break on time so that the shooting unit doesn’t get hungry. He’s constantly briefing the security team to maintain silence so I can record clear dialogue. He’s not just an actor; he’s a solid partner. But I wasn’t surprised.
Why?
I know him and his mom and sister and father for so long and this is how they’ve brought him up.
And Khushi Kapoor?
I was really surprised by Khushi. I didn’t know her at all, so I wondered what she’d be like. But she is the most professional person I’ve ever met. She’s ten minutes early for every meeting. She came to rehearsals and didn’t even need to look at the script.
I believe she is really good with her lines.
She knew every line by heart and had come with various options of delivery. When she came on board, she made a playlist of songs for me which she felt would have been Bani’s playlist. I heard those songs and instantly knew that she understood the part.
Doesn’t the current generation’s discipline surprise you?
Yes! Khushi sat in on my meetings with the costume stylist and the production designer. She was really helpful in locking the colour palette for this character, which really helps not just the costumes, but also the visual of the whole film.
By the way, I loved your Laal Singh Chaddha
That makes two of you: my mother and you.
