From being an exuberant action director to turning his attention to comedy, Rohit Shetty has certainly shifted gears. Talking about the switch, the director shares, “While we — Ajay and I were busy shooting for a film, writer/director Neeraj Vohra came up to me with a script for a comedy film. I discussed it with Ajay, who immediately gave a green signal saying, ‘Tujhe yeh banana hai toh go ahead’. From then to today, Golmaal has turned into a humongous film franchise which is liked by the audiences!”
Looking back at his journey, Rohit says, “I have been lucky. Along with my hard work, luck also plays a vital role in an individual’s career. Had Neeraj not come up with this script, I would have never got Golmaal. Also, until then, I was known to be an action director.”
Rohit admits that his family support has been critical. “I am very grateful to my family for their support. If I forget to do something for my wife, she never informs me during the time I am shooting as no one from the family likes to give me any stress during the shooting schedules. But very diplomatically, she may bring it up afterwards,” he says, with a laugh.
On whether he is the most expensive Bollywood director, Rohit replies, “There are many great directors and I do not know what they charge. So, how can I share what I charge?”
He does, however, disclose a secret about his wish to work with Big B himself. “I would love to work with Amitabh Bachchan sir. I have for long cherished this dream. The day I get a suitable character for him, I will definitely go to him. Amitabh sir is my favourite actor. Woh mere dil ke bahut karib hai. I am looking for a hard core commercial film for him,” reveals Rohit adding, “Amitabh sir is recognised, loved and respected even by the youth of today. He is an inspiration to the younger generation as well. He loves his work. Even at this age, he gets up early in the morning and looks forward to working. Kaam karna aaj bhi unki top priority hai. This is why Amitabh sir is active even today.” As for his future plans, Rohit reveals that Singham 3 is on the cards. “We have not yet found an apt script,” he says.
