Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar, who is gearing up for his upcoming directorial venture, a multi-starrer period drama "Takht", says its story is based on a true historical account. He vouches that it will be treated with dignity in the film.
Sharing an insight into the story, Karan told the media here: "The film is based on a true historical event that transpired... It is embedded in history and that is why it is important to tell the way it was."
Considering what happened to "Padmaavat", which also had a historical reference, isn't it a risky genre to explore?
Karan said: "It is not my interpretation of history but what happened then. The story is based on the Mughal empire and what people know... Every writer and director has their interpretation of history, but in this case, we are not creating anything. It is based on the historical facts and we are doing it with a lot of dignity."
The film features an interesting cast including Ranveer Singh, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal, Bhumi Pednekar, Janhvi Kapoor and Anil Kapoor.
Asked if it was tough for him to choose actors for the project, he said: "Partially yes, but eventually I am happy with the cast that I have. I think this is one film that I am directing where I took some time to reach the cast."
Karan is also one director-producer who gives his writers due importance and prominent credit.
Talking about it, he said: "Filmmaking is a writer's medium. It is not a director's medium. It is not an actor's medium... In our industry, directors and actors are taking the limelight, but writers are the heartbeat of a film. So they should be given the importance. And there is no point of giving credit in the closet door... One should give them credit out there."
As there is a possibility of comparison of his first ever period drama with those of Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who is known for the genre, does Karan feel any pressure?
"Well, nothing ventured, nothing gained. And eventually, you have to go out of your comfort zone to create something special. I think Mr. Bhansali has achieved some of the most beautiful pieces of cinema, his work is of a beautiful canvas. I am an admirer of his work as a fraternity member. But my film cannot be compared to what I have done or anybody else has done," he said.
Having started his career as a film director with "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai", Karan made his mark not only as a film director-producer but also as a chat show host with his popular "Koffee With Karan", as anchor of several live shows, reality TV show judge and as a radio jokey for a radio show titled "Calling Karan".
What is his way to stay motivated towards his work for so many years?
"I think it is important to be surrounded by the right kind of people who will tell you when you are going wrong. I do not hang out with 'yes' people but people who are critical about my work. Without that, one cannot keep at it. In my office, we have a rule that we share each other's opinion on film, script and any piece of work on personal email. I think that really helps to improve work.
"I do not take myself so seriously and I think one of the best ways to stay relevant is to talk to the young generation. Their thoughts and their ideology should be heard and that helps me to stay updated and relevant to the present time."
Does he get to listen to criticism as he is one of the powerful filmmakers of Bollywood?
"I only give them (people) the right to do so... I do not create a distance from them. So, they can tell me if something is wrong. I allow people to be critical of me and be honest," answered the filmmaker, who will soon be seen as judge of a talent hunt show "India's Got Talent" on Colors channel from October 20.