KHELEIN HUM JEE JAAN SEY LIVE VIDEO CONFERENCE

, BollySpice attended the Cisco Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey live video conference with Abhishek Bachchan, Deepika Padukone and Ashutosh Gowariker. Over three continents and as many time zones, media invitees in New York (12:00pm EST) and London (17.00 GMT) interacted with the stars and the director of the film in Mumbai (22.30pm IST). With sky-high energy levels, Abhishek Bachchan lets us know that he is in the house, making a joke about the critics calling him a piece of furniture, when he enters to see his name on the back of a chair. Twenty-four hours of promotion, just getting off a plane and - Abhishek informs us -copious amounts of coffee on the flight - and the actor is in great spirits. Ashutosh Gowariker arrives, joined by the supporting actors of the period thriller resplendent in what looks like fab Indian kurtas. Deepika makes her entrance to Abhishek's quip: "Oh God, she's got make-up on at this time of night". The first thing the actress does is to remove the label from the water bottle positioned in front of her - there is going to be no free endorsement for a brand that she does not represent. Beautiful? Of Course. Talented. Just watch Om Shanti Om. Smart? As one label comes off we attach another. With the main players now in place, we are ready to begin.


Why did you feel it was important to portray this historical incidence?

Ashutosh: There is only a fleeting mention of the Chittagong Uprising, but there has been no mention of the details of who led it, how did it happen and what exactly the uprising was all about. When I discovered the book Do or Die, I was aghast because this was such a massive operation, and also about fifty five teenagers participated. The emotions that I felt from knowing about the revolution made me feel it was very important to bring it to screen.


What challenges did you face in playing this role Deepika, and can you relate to her?

Deepika: I think for me the biggest challenge was the responsibility of playing a real-life character, and secondly I think getting the look right. (Deepika asks the media who have seen a preview of the film "Did I look right?" A resounding "Yes" comes the response.) I believe that if the audience is not convinced that they are in the era of the 1930s then the purpose is defeated. Do I identify with her? I think yes. Kalpana Dutta, like women today, is very strong and ambitious, and got up and did something for her country and contributed to the revolution.

Abhishek, you are known for being a joker. How did you have fun on set with this being such a serious film?

Abhishek: Do I look like a joker to you? (Laughter from all). A film is a film is a film and a character is a character is a character. What you do on camera doesn't necessarily have to be done off camera. I've always said I am a very inhibited actor, it takes a lot for me to do what I do, so I need a very relaxed atmosphere wherever I am working. Hence, I try to create that. It is a very selfish thing to do to get my performance out. So I don't really joke around. I just like to keep it light, and even with a serious, intense film when the camera is not rolling, we don't have to be sulking. If we were all really serious on the set Ashutosh would recast us in a day.

Was it challenging to work with a large cast of teenagers?

Ashutosh: It was quite challenging. I had some experience as an actor, and I had the opportunity to work with teenagers as co-stars. Somehow I knew how the mind of a teenager works when it comes to acting. I did an orientation with the teenagers before the shoot began, and they got used to each other, felt comfortable with the stars of the film, and got over the initial awe which they had for Abhishek and Deepika, which I felt was very important.

When the UK critics saw the film yesterday, when the final credits rolled, there was absolute silence in the room. Was the film meant to have that kind of effect of leaving you with goosebumps?

Ashutosh: You have really hit it on the head, because when I read the book and got to the end, I wept uncontrollably. I thought that it was very important to capture the spirit, the drama and the emotional aspect of the revolution. You guys are the first ones to have seen the film and I am really overwhelmed with what you have just said, and glad you felt that way, because even after eighty years it is never too late to salute the heroes.

How challenging is it to do a period film?

Abhishek: It depends who your director is, and that is the same with any film you are going to do, be it a period film, or a contemporary, or a futuristic film. By the grace of God, we had Ashutosh Gowariker behind the camera, and very honestly, all that you have seen last night is completely due to him. He comes so prepared, he brings his A game with him whenever he comes. Even if a light man has a suggestion he will consider it and he will listen to it. But when you have a real-life character half of your work is done for you. It increases the responsibility and you have to do justice to that character and churn out responsible performances. We wanted to pay homage to them, and wanted people to view them the same as we do today, having lived this film for a year.

Who in Bollywood would you like to work with next Deepika?

Deepika: (Filmi shriek) Nahin! (Pause) Well, who I haven't worked with, but who I would love to work with: Aamir, Salman and Hrithik.

Ashutosh, when reading the book and writing the script, which character did you identify with?

Ashutosh: The main part, the protagonist is the one I identify the most, as they are the ones who drive the story. Be it Lagaan, Jodhaa Akbar, Swades or this film, the driving force for me is the protagonist.

What advice would you give young people who want to enter the film industry?

Abhishek: (Indicating Deepika) If you don't look like this, forget about it.

Deepika: I think every second person today wants to enter the film industry, but it is not as glamorous as it looks. It's a lot of hard work, a lot of commitment, dedication and sacrifice. It's not as easy as it looks, and I think that is the main preparation one would have to do apart from being decently good looking and talented.