I don't work with stars - Shekhar Kapur

It was a match made in heaven when internationally acclaimed director Shekhar Kapur signed on Indian superstar Hrithik Roshan to play the lead in Paani. And then came the surprise news of Hrithik’s replacement with producer YRF’s favourite Sushant Singh Rajput, a move that raised many eyebrows. Shekhar himself didn’t seem too happy with the decision and blogged about why he had to let go Hrithik Roshan. Now without the presence of a huge star, doubts are being raised if Paani could be marketed well internationally. When we asked Shekhar if it would be an onerous task given the fact that he doesn’t have Hrithik’s star power anymore, Shekhar begged to differ. “I have never worked with stars. When I made Masoom, Naseeruddin Shah was hardly a star that he is today. Even with Mr. India, Anil and Sridevi were not superstars then. Amrish Puri was the only big star in the movie. For me, to direct a movie, I need a temple of chaos. The moment a star walks into that temple, the balance shifts and everyone starts treating the actor like a huge star. I can’t work in such an environment. I need chaos,” explained Shekhar. Paani, which was announced almost seven years back, remained shelved all this while until YRF took it under its wings. Revealing how Aditya Chopra accepted the mantle of producing it, Shekhar said that they met coincidentally at A. R. Rahman’s studio in Chennai. While Shekhar was at Rahman’s place to discuss Paani for which Rahman is giving the score, Aditya dropped in to meet the maestro and talk about Jab Tak Hain Jaan which also had Rahman’s music. “We got chatting with each other and Aditya liked the concept of Paani. He immediately agreed to produce it and said it’s my budget and your film,” said Shekhar. Paani which is set in the future revolves around how international corporations use thirst as a weapon of control. The movie is likely to go on floors by mid – 2014.