Actor-filmmaker Satish Kaushik, best remembered for his character 'Calender' in Shekhar Kapur's 'Mr India', says contrary to his popular comedian image as an actor, he has always directed sensitive,  dramatic movies. "When I am asked how I have maintained this balance, I always say that this proves my versatility as a creative person," Satish Kaushik who has directed 'Karzzz' starring Himesh Reshmiya and Urmila Martondkar, told the media.  'Karzzz', a remake of Subhash Ghai's 1980s blockbuster by the same name starring Rishi Kapoor would be released on  October 17. T-series, producers of the remake purchased the rights of the film from Ghai.  Satish said next film as an actor is 'Chatursingh 2 star', a comedy film with Sanjay Dutt. When asked why he was not seen on screen for a long time, Satish said he was busy directing movies and acting took a backseat.  "But I worked in a British film called 'Brick Lane' last year which got a standing ovation in Toronto film festival last year. I will soon begin work on an American film," he added. Speaking about 'Karzzz', Satish said he is not afraid of comparisons with the original. "Comparisons are inevitable.  It is not for the first time a remake is being made. I have made remakes of many Tamil and Telugu movies, but it is for the first time that I am making a remake of a Hindi film," he added.   "Karzzz is my tribute to the cinema of 80s. The original is a musical with a dramatic story. Himesh  Reshamiya suited the rockstar image. Being an actor myself, I respect his passion for whatever he does," Kaushik said.  He agreed his film is bound to divide the audience. "The young people of today identify with Himesh because of his popularity as a singer. The soul of the film and dramatic appeal is intact as in the original. Only the twist in the story is original in the script," Kaushik added.  When asked about the extra 'Zs' in the title, Kaushik said it has been done for astrological reasons by the producers. Besides this, it brings a musical feel to the title, he added.  Speaking about comparisons, Kaushik said it was unfair to compare Himesh with Rishi  Kapoor. "Rishi  Kapoor was the most handsome and a popular actor of his time while Himesh is exactly the opposite, he is one among the crowd," the director added.  Satish said actors who are good listeners come out with brilliant performances and Himesh is one of them. "People will sit back and take notice of him as an actor," the director said. The endeavour is not to make a better film that Subhash Ghai's 'Karz' but my interpretation of the story which I admire.  "I was offered the project by T-Series after they announced the film with Himesh and bought the rights of Subhash Ghai. The scripting began after I took over. Siraj Ahmed is the script writer," he said.   Regarding Urmila Matondkar who essays the role played by Simi Garewal in the original, Satish said there  is more negativity and glamour to Urmila's character. "Urmila is more modern and there is an element of romance as well," he added.  Satish said he always had a fascination for the cinema of the 80s. "I would always say that I wanted to play the character of Mehmood from 'Padosan' and direct a film like 'Karz'. My wish to play a Mehmood-like character was filled in 'Saajan Chale Sasural'. Similarly, my wish to direct a film like 'Karz' has also been fulfilled," Satish said.  To a question on expectations from the film, Satish said he had no expectations and would accept the audience verdict.  Satish said he will judge a performance-based reality show on 9X called 'Jalwa' with Mahima Chaudhary.  On his future productions, he said he was looking forward to the release of his home production 'Tere  Sangh', a film on teenage pregnancy.  It is the first venture of 'Karol Bagh productions', a company set up by Anupam Kher and him. Apart from producing and directing it, he has also played the part of the male lead's father. "It's a teenage love story," he added. His first out-and-out comedy film will be 'Ek Gujju' featuring Himesh and two new girls. He said it is a Studio 18 production.   (Agencies) ... read more »