Vikas Hotwani

Danny Boyle’s critically acclaimed movie ‘Trainspotting’ earned him the much deserved fame and recognition worldwide. There may be innumerable opportunities with him today and dime a dozen offers to work with some of the most recognised stars in the industry.

However, his urge to do something different bought him to India for his upcoming movie ‘Slumdog Millionaire’.

“The passion that I see here for movies is something that I don’t see anywhere in UK. For people in US and India, cinema is in their blood,” says Danny as we catch up with him on his visit to the city.

Everyone may go gaga over the various innovations he does as a director.

However, Danny feels the innovations are inevitable! “Back in UK, the television is very strong and captivating.

Hence, you need to do something out of the box to hook the audience’s attention. Otherwise they are better off at home watching TV,” explains Danny who claims to believe in the theory of “not playing safe.”

“At times, the innovations blow up on your face. If you would be in TV, you would be fired. Hence, try talking as many risks as possible,” he explains.

Ask him what’s the key to grow and learn for a director and he says, “Never be ashamed or hesitant of stealing shots of other directors. If anyone raises a question, you can always call it a tribute!”

Currently in town for his upcoming movie and interacting with film students in the city, ask Danny how’s the city been treating him and he quips, “It’s a great city to be in. However, I am slowly coming in terms with a phenomenon called a ‘Bombay no’. When a person says ‘no’, does he mean a straight forward ‘no’ or is it an invitation that you need to try harder, is something I need to understand.”

His knowledge of Bollywood may be limited but he sure does know a good deal of directors that he can relate with.

“I have seen movies like ‘Black Friday’, ‘Satya’ and a few others. These are my kind of movies that I thoroughly enjoy. I met Anurag Kashyap. He is a brilliant guy and a great director,” adds Danny.