What drew you to the film industry?

I always knew I wanted to do something in films. I was an active member of our vibrant drama and theatre scene in school. Shakespeare had a huge influence on me and I still carry a lot of that with me. I started with writing and got the chance to direct my first play at 16. But  even then I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do. That’s when my father suggested I spend time on a film set and figure out what piques my interest. As it turned out, I landed a gig as one of the ADs on Asoka with Shah Rukh Bhai. I was just 18 then. Once I was on the sets, I understood that cinema is the amalgamation of all the arts, and actually an art in motion. I knew I wanted to direct then. 

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You’re very inclined to martial arts. How did that come about?  

I am a boarding school boy, where we were encouraged to incorporate physical exercise and sports into our lives. I started boxing really early and it might not be a widely appreciated sport in India but I think it builds a lot of character, discipline and strength. It made me very goal-oriented and still does. I think the director, on a set, should be the fittest person: be it physically, emotionally, mentally or spiritually. 

Looking back, which project of yours has been the most challenging?

All my projects have a new challenge and I enjoy that. No matter what stage I reach or what I have learned. Each project teaches me something new and helps me evolve and learn from the experience. That said, Khuda Haafiz was personally challenging because I lost my father a week before our shooting schedule and I went into the film kind of quiet and not my usual self. Even before shooting began, through the prep of that film, my father was in and out of hospitals and battling health conditions. So personally, that film was the most challenging for me. 

Having worked with actors like Shah Rukh Khan, Naseeruddin Shah and Ajay Devgn, who do you cherish working with the most?

I enjoy working with Vidyut Jammwal on Khuda Haafiz a lot because of the energy and relationship we have. From a learning standpoint, I thoroughly enjoyed working with Naseer saab. He brought a lot to the table, beyond being a stellar actor. I remember, when we were shooting Allah Ke Bandey, his character was very dishevelled, with no resemblance to his glorious characters. Even then he played the part with such finesse. He had very collaborative energy and beyond being an actor, he wanted to create something great with the director. As a director, you hope actors give you more than you expect and more than their job description, and Naseer saab did just that. 

Also read: Karan Kundrra on acting, fashion, Bigg Boss and more: "The joy of acting is indescribable"

If you could change something about the film industry, what would it be?

As a fraternity, I’d love to see more unity within the industry. Across the socio-economic barrier of all artists — be it directors, actors, producers, everyone. Feeling happy about other people’s success is something I’d like to see more of in the industry.

How did Khuda Haafiz happen, from inception to the final film?

The film is based on a true story, which I stumbled upon while reading newspaper one day. It struck me so much that I cut that column up and kept it. It triggered me instantly and I knew that one day I will invest my time and energy into writing a screenplay and making this film. During my research and writing, I always got the sense that it was Ramayan being retold. I felt themes of that in a totally different metaphor. As the project moved forward, I met the producers, Vidyut and all the actors, and did almost three months of readings. I’m extremely happy with the emotional quotient we were able to bring to the story. Especially Vidyut, he had never done something like this and I am glad that the film came across as a love story at the end of the day. 

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What inspired you to make 377 Abnormal?

377 chronicles the journey of some of the petitioners from the LGBTQA community who challenged the court to abolish this law and decriminalise homosexuality. What intrigued me was how brave these people were. We know our systems. Iss desh mein law abolish karwana koi asaan baat nahi hai. I was really like ‘who are these people’ who got a law abolished. 

That’s when the story really opened for me. It actually started in 2001 when this petition was first filed. The film is beautiful — It’s a multi-plot narrative where you see different people across time and places fighting for the same thing. There were hundreds and thousands of petitioners, each fighting in different courts. It’s a very interesting journey of how they petitioned the court, their personal identity and how the court battle unravels.  

Also read: Actor Vivek Dahiya: Carpe diem! Make your current moment count

What’s your relationship like with fashion?

Fashion is truly an extension of your personality, it is a form of self-expression. What you wear goes so much deeper than what it looks like. It has a deeper impact on your mind, the way you feel, and the way you go about your day. For the longest time, I used to dress down for meetings. I was afraid I would not be taken seriously if my ensemble drew too much attention. There are still a lot of stigmas attached to fashion, even though it’s such a simple expression.

QUICK FIRE WITH FARUK KABIR

A film everyone should see in India: Do Aankhen Barah Haath by V Shantaram

A film everyone should see globally: Life is Beautiful by Roberto Benigni

A film that made an impact on you: Mel Gibson’s Braveheart

Who do you look up to for fashion cues: Tom Ford or BTS. I love Korean street style and how cool BTS is off-stage

Actors you’d like to work with: Shah Rukh Khan, Alia Bhatt, Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh

Also read: Sunny Hinduja's fashion tips for men: Colours and prints can add magic to a man's wardrobe

What are you currently reading: Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind. It’s about the birth and evolution of humankind, very enlightening 

Your favourite book: Muhammad Ali’s biography called The Greatest: My Own Story

Best travel memory: The Mevlâna Museum in Konya, Turkey where the poet Muhammad Rumi was born. That was a very spiritual experience for me

Best memory while shooting: Has to be Khuda Haafiz in Uzbekistan! No films had been shot over there before

Hair & make-up: Janak Thapa 

Managed by: Vivek Madlani

Artist reputation management: Raindrop Media