If it’s fun and has a bizarre twist, you’ll find director and writer Punit Malhotra enthused. The Bollywood director of the Kareena Kapoor-Khan and Imran Khan starrer 'Gori Tere Pyaar Mein' can’t wait for his 'I Hate Luv Story' fans (he debuted as a director with it) to see a new twist to the old love story. “It’s a romantic film and I’m proud of it. It’s about a wastrel boy and a self-righteous activist girl. Due to trauma, she leaves the city to live in a village. It’s deeper than just a love story,” rambles the handsome lad who is the nephew of designer Manish Malhotra. Punit was rumoured to have taken his shirt off on the sets of 'Gori'. “Imran and Kareena are responsible for spreading these rumours! In an earlier film in New Zealand, I did take my shirt off as everyone was basking in the sun. During this shoot, Kareena and Imran kept daring me to take my shirt off — I did so once or twice. It was all in fun, to break the ice…” he quips.
Next on agenda is a dramatic leap with 'Gutka', for which he has signed Akshay Kumar as lead. Working as assistant director for eight years, he has toiled hard. “Nothing has been given on a platter,” he says. Movies like 'Kal Ho Naa Ho', 'Paheli' and 'Dostana' spearheaded his filmi fundas. A student of HR College of Commerce, Malhotra did his schooling at Arya Vidya Mandir, and he is all the wiser because of it. “I can chant mantras and do havans. We’ve been taught shlokas. I can even chant one now,” he adds, chanting one, leaving you stunned, “This particular one is a neam (rule) of Arya Samaj,” he explains.
Karan Johar and Punit share a special relationship. “Karan is so magnanimous. There is so much to learn from him. I can go to him with any problem and he solves it,” says the guy who is considered a “gofer” at home, and does all the odd jobs for his mom, dad and sister. “I become the servant, especially at weddings!” he jests. Leading lady Kareena is a revelation. “I was nervous on the first day but we hit it off. She’s mad and you can have the most bizarre conversation, tell her anything and get away with it! She’s so much fun. She would poke fun about the food I ate — protein shakes. Since she was on a diet (a naughty one where she seemed to be eating all the time), there were three things on her plate and it works!” he adds in wonder.
And what of the rumours of him dating actress Sonam Kapoor. He shrugs, “I am currently not dating anyone. People spread rumours, some are true, some false. I am single now and if you find any good girl in Bengaluru, do let me know,” he jests, And we are sure many of his female fans are holding on to that thought with glee!
