Suneel Darshan once said that he would prefer to play it safe with his conventional genre of film-making and leave the innovation to the likes of Ram Gopal Varma. From his standard stable comes another emotional drama Dosti -Friends Forever starring all his favourites from Akshay to Bobby, to Kareena and lastly Lara. Here is the producer on Dosti and more...

You have worked with the entire cast of Dosti before, be it Akshay, Bobby, Kareena or Lara. What was the experience like, this time?
It was a reunion of sorts. All the actors have worked with me in some point, in the past. We share a great comfort level. So we've decided to continue working with each other. That is the reason that Akshay Kumar, Bobby Deol, Kareena Kapoor, Lara Duttta and Juhi Chawla are all a part of Dosti - Friends Forever. Akshay Kumar and myself have a long history behind us. Bobby and I have done Barsaat. Lara was introduced in my film Andaaz. As for Kareena, I have done Talaash with her, but I have worked a lot with the Kapoor family. I have done five films with Karisma. We all share a very comfortable rapport.

You seem to be a great fan of hardcore commercial cinema, based on your past films. What would you like to comment on that?
I really respect commercial cinema. It does not call for disrespect. I have always been a follower of good cinema. In my formative years, I used to love watching movies like 36 Chowrangee Lane. I loved Raj Kapoor's cinema or any cinema that was good. In the past I have intentionally made movies based on the common man. Then I moved on to the family genre with films like Ek Rishtaa and a host of films. I am growing and modernizing myself a little more.

You have resurrected Bobby's career with this film...
No, I have not resurrected any career. Even in the past, a lot of statement and noise has been made about my resurrecting Akshay Kumar's career. I was also credited for building up Lara Dutta and Priyanka Chopra's careers. And now apparently I am attempting to resurrect Bobby's career. I honestly do not want to claim credits of this sort. I would rather give the credit to all the people who let me work with them, all the actors who gave me the opportunity to showcase their talents. I am really obliged to them.

Today, Akshay Kumar is on a high with films like Mujhse Shaadi Karogi and Garam Masala and most recently Deewane Huye Paagal. What was your working relationship like this time?
It is amazing. It is nice to know that a person with whom you have worked for over five years and done seven films with, is on a high. But I think Akshay Kumar was always on a high. Ever since I started working with him in Jaanwar, he has been in a good phase, professionally. Before that, he was on a low. He is one guy who wanted to resurrect his career. I have not done it. He wanted to resurrect his career and chose me to work on it. In the process, every film that I did with him, whether it was Jaanwar, Ek Rishtaa or Andaaz had a significant upward move for his career. It is good to know that he has found his niche in all the comedy films that he is doing. But he is an all rounder. I don't think he is all about comedy. He is capable of doing great action and dance. I think he is a very good emotional actor as well. He is constantly growing and evolving.

Apparently, the two of you had a fallout?
There is no fallout. I think he is just around the corner right now!

Lara Dutta's career started off with your film. What changes have you seen in her performance?
When I was planning Andaaz, Akshay was my natural choice for the hero. Two girls had to be cast in the film. My initial choice was the actors I have worked with earlier. I approached them but somehow their dates were not available or there were some discomfort levels with them. Then, I decided to cast two fresh faces. We thought that we would market and package the product well. In that process, I met Lara. She is an amazingly intelligent girl. Also the best body in the business! I thought she had the potential of becoming an actress. I signed her on for the principal role and that's how things took off. Thereafter, she did a lot of films. I don't think any of her films showcased her talent as well as Andaaz did. This time again, with Dosti, I think Lara Dutta has been packaged right. She has the right role. She has been presented right and the viewers are going to love it.

Kareena Kapoor did not exactly have a big role in Talaash. What does she have to offer this time?
Kareena Kapoor is the best all rounder that we have today. She is a pretty girl and knows acting. Though she is a little laidback, she is very intelligent. Kareena is my favourite actress. I was very excited when she accepted to be a part of Dosti. I have given her a great role. I am sure that she, herself, does not know the enormity of the role and the significance it has in my story.

What can you tell us about the music of the film?
The music has been composed by my favourite music composers, Nadeem-Shravan. They are the uncrowned monarchs of the music industry. They have been the torch bearers with legendary figures. They have done some brilliant work like Aashiqui in the 90s. They have the highest fan following that any music composer could ever command.

Unfortunately, Dosti - Friends Forever is their last film together. They have decided to part ways. I think it is really strange that they have decided to part with a film titled Dosti -Friends Forever.

Didn't that decision affect the music of the film?
Not at all! We have already recorded the entire music. This decision was made just a few weeks ago.

Do you feel that a kind of monotony creeps in, working with the same actors, over and over?
What kind of a monotony? The actors are growing and evolving. I know it's all about working with the next generation of actors but that will happen with time. I don't think Akshay Kumar is a ruled out actor. He is happening and rocking, so why should I not work with him? As for Bobby, I think he is fantastic. He is the most underrated actor in the industry, today. Watch him in Dosti and you will know what I'm talking about. The guy knows how to perform. It is not just about jumping and dancing about. It is about understanding the shot, character, lines and performing them. I always wish that Bobby had come into my life ten years earlier.

Barsaat had a big release, overseas. What are the plans for Dosti?
Dosti will have a bigger release. There is no doubt. It will be given the best. It is coming at a very good time, i.e. Christmas holidays. And I am sure that worldwide, people would want to watch a movie that has great stars, a fantastic look and very good songs. There is no reason why it will not command a great opening, which will be enviable.

What is the USP of Dosti - Friends Forever?
I think there are several USPs but the most important one which is unique to the film is that the off screen chemistry between two friends, has been put on celluloid. Akshay and Bobby are very good friends in real life. I have captured it on camera. They are so comfortable with each other. When they talk to each other, or joke, you can catch the comfort level.

Apparently, there was not much dosti between Bobby and Kareena, during the shooting of the film. What do you have to say about that?
Not at all. A lot of water has passed under the bridge since then. Both are very mature. Kareena Kapoor, too is a very mature girl today. These stories are bygones. They do not need to be raked, any further.

What next, after Dosti?
There is a lot to look forward to. A lot of dreams and cinema that has to be created. Besides putting own dreams on to celluloid, my production company Shree Krishna International is launching a movie in mid 2006, which will be directed by Manish Malhotra, an internationally famous fashion designer. He is someone who I have known for a long time, now. I always felt that there was a film maker hiding in him somewhere. Somehow, he had to take a more circuitous route to achieve what he has aspired to. I knew he wanted to direct someday. And I am honoured that I have been chosen to produce his launch vehicle. In 2007, I plan to launch my son Shiv Darshan, as an actor. He is a handsome young dude. He is currently training.

Tell us something more, about Manish Malhotra's film.
When it is time to announce the film, we will talk about it!

Tell us something more about your son.
Well, as of now, he is studying in the Jai Hind College of Commerce, in Bombay. He is in his final year. He is training himself to be an actor. I think he has the look and the ability. Provided with the best backing, all that he needs is luck! Hopefully, the viewers will offer it to him.