Courtesy: IndiaFM
Monday, July 25, 2005

"Watch out, after Yahaan he is going to be Bollywood's heartthrob!" bets Minissha about her costar, Jimmy Shergill. Jimmy was last seen in Munnabhai MBBS where the earnest actor carried home praise even for a cameo. Not much has happened since then. However, not the one to mop around, Jimmy seems very pleased with Yahaan. Find out why...

We haven't seen much of you lately....
(Smiles) If I were to sign every producer who came knocking at my door, I would be away shooting, not doing this interview. Honestly speaking, I don't find too many good projects going around. I prefer doing one sensible project a year instead of 5 films that don't matter.

So what got a 'yes' out of you for Yahaan?
When you watch the film, you'll get the answer to this. I am very thankful to Tigmanshu Dhulia who put me on to Shooji who is debuting as a director with Yahaan. I am very proud to be apart of this film. And I feel emotionally very close to it.

Is it an issue-based film?
I would call it an 'idea-based' film. The film depicts the relationship between a Kashmiri local, played by Minissha and an army man, which is me. The strength and faith that the two show in the face of distress has managed to capture marvelously well.

What was it like to shoot in Kashmir?
I have been there for around 8 times but I discovered Kashmir with Yahaan. We shot at places which were considered 'no-return' zone. For example, people are aware of the Dal lake but how many of us are aware of that the lake has backwaters at its other side. People stay in 'water villages' and travel in shikaras. The experience was exhilarating.

How was it to work with a debutant?
I think there can't be a better face for the character of Adaa. Shooji wanted a girl who looks innocent and vulnerable. Also, the women there speak with a lot of tehzeeb. I think all of these come together very beautifully in Minissha. She has given a sound performance.

The music is growing on people...
It wasn't like one morning we wake up and realize, 'Oh god, where do we take the script from here? Let's insert a song'. Instead Shantanu has given music that upholds the respectability of the film. And Gulzarsaab has penned some divine lyrics. I am very glad that people like the music.

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