“I’m arrogant, I do what I want to do”

Filmmaker Ram Gopal Verma spoke to editor Prabhu Chawla about his Sholay, remakes and ‘camps’

Q. Why are you remaking Sholay?

A. It’s called Ram Gopal Verma Ki Sholay. It’s an adaptation of a revenge-based formula like in Mera Gaon Mera Desh. It isn’t a remake of Sholay. Its character Ghungroo is not the character of Basanti and the story is different.

Q. Then why the name Sholay?

A. Rangeela was a remake of a black and white film. Most of my films are remakes. China Gate, Elan are also based on Sholay. Calling it Sholay is negative in a way.

Q. Is your Gabbar similar to Sholay’s Gabbar?

A. My Gabbar is very different from Sholay’s Gabbar. He lives in a city, travels in a car.

Q. What is your philosophy behind making films?

A. There is no philosophy. I do not think about society. I do whatever I want to.

Q. Do you get inspired by your surroundings?

A. Personal observation and experiences reflect in films. A filmmaker is also part of the audience. He makes what he wants to see. I’m not an expert of one emotion.

Q. Were you always interested in filmmaking?

A. I got interested in filmmaking during college. I worked in Telugu films for five years. Rangeela was my first Bollywood film.

Q. There are many camps in Bollywood. Which camp do you belong to?

A. Camps are there in all industries. Bollywood is no different. If you cast a star then investors came forward. It’s a business.

Q. You introduce new faces.

A. Because of my arrogance. I like it, so I do it. There is a thin line between arrogance and confidence. If I am successful, it’s called confidence; otherwise it’s arrogance.

Q. What is your current flavour?

A. I’m working with Abhishek and Aishwarya in Sarkar 2. The Bachchan family is my current flavour.

Q. Which director is your role model?

A. I don’t believe in good directors. I believe in well-directed films.

Q. What is your mission? To earn more money?

A. My mission is to make films. I don’t have a profit motive. Film is an expensive commercial art. So I wish for hits.

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