‘I make films for the masses’

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Dabangg director Abhinav Singh Kashyap calls himself a grassroots director and says that he loves to represent the intense emotions of the common man in his films.
Thus, in the first promos of his upcoming film Besharam, we see a peeing Ranbir Kapoor humming in Punjabi: “Tennu Wekhya Toh…” — a take from the evergreen song Tujhe Dekha Toh… from Dilwale Dhulhania Le Jayenge. “No, we are not representing Shah Rukh with this song or Salman when I used the name ‘Chulbul’; it’s just a name which I penned in the script. The name itself lends a mischievous connotation.
“I always relate to the common man. Meri kahani ek aam admi se judi hoti hai, a rickshaw-wallah or a labourer who sweats to earn his daily bread, loves to enjoy a few happy moments. Khushi mehangi hoti hai and poor people cannot buy it. Hence, I always like to make films not for the elite but for the masses.”
Talking about the pictures of Ranbir Kapoor and a bikini-clad Katrina that are doing the rounds, Abhinav says, “Well, Ranbir Kapoor is currently shooting for Bombay Velvet in Sri Lanka, that’s all I know.” He adds, “About the ‘besharam’ photographs of Ranbir and Kat… It is not a big deal. They have done a few films together and you will always find many pictures of them together.”
Clearing the air about having any differences with Salman Khan, he adds, “Well, I was never directing Dabangg 2; the reports did not come from me. However, I had clarified it then. Yes! I am open to directing Salman Khan again if I come across a good script.”
“If Sallu gets angry with me for using ‘Chulbul’ as a name in Besharam then I think I’ll get beaten up by him,” jokes the director.
Talking about newcomer Pallavi Sharda who has been cast opposite Ranbir in Besharam, Abhinav says, “Pallavi is a dancer; before casting her I did consult Ranbir who was already on board and others. We have plans to introduce her in a typical manner at a later stage of the promotions.”
Ranbir’s parents, Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh, play cops in the film. “Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh were not present when Ranbir shot the film. But the whole family agreed to be part of the film because they liked the script. I did not have to convince them at all. They have not seen the film, but they are happy with Ranbir’s work.”
“Besharam depicts a middle class boy in light humour. The word ‘besharam’ can also signify a character who is always ready to go to any extent to help people or his loved ones. He is called ‘Bably’ a name which is very common amongst Punjabis, for both girls and boys… it denotes a loveable persona. Ranbir will not get any negative reception at all from the film,” adds the director.
“Yes! The credit for bringing Rishi Kapoor and family together on screen goes to me,” says Abhinav with pride, adding, “I am indeed feeling great as they agreed to be part of this film made for the masses.”