My film ‘Aarakshan’ will not create new tensions: Prakash Jha

Filmmaker Prakash Jha, who is shooting his latest film “Aarakshan” in Bhopal, feels the subject matter of the film is relevant as there is always an “under current about aarakshan (reservation) in Indian society”.

The star cast of “Aarakshan”, including Amitabh Bachchan, Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone and Tanvi Aazmi had an interaction with the media at Rizwan Bagh, one of the sets of the movie.

“We try to understand the pain created in every society about ‘aarakshan’ and try to minimize it. It is also on the commercialization of education,” said Jha about the movie Friday evening.

Jha also added that the film is neither against or in favour of reservation, “it is not going to add fuel to the issue”. The director said it is just a co-incidence that of the two main actors in the movie, Amitabh is the ‘jamai’ (son-in-law) and Saif the son of Bhopal.

The actors and the director said they enjoyed working in Bhopal, a city of lakes.

“This is the first time I am shooting in Bhopal. But as you people know I am ‘jamai’ of this city, I have a strong connection here. The ambience and the people are so good that even in breaks I do not prefer to go back to Mumbai,” said Amitabh, who is playing the role of a professor.

Speaking about his role, Amitabh said: “The professor supports students of the weaker section of society in the movie.”

On working with Jha as director, the legendary actor said: “It is really nice working with him. He handles everything so well it help us in getting into the character easily.”

“It is a unique movie and I am enjoying the character,” replied Saif Ali Khan.

Saif, who has a Bhopal connection — his grandmother was the Begum of Bhopal, said: “It has been 15 years since I came here, but I have grown up in this city only.” Saif was not interested in taking personal questions from reporters, and got visibly irritated when he was asked again and again about what kind of gossips he does not like. “Does my face look like only for gossip questions,” he snapped.

Deepika, who plays the role of daughter of Amitabh, said she enjoyed working in the city. “I like most the sunrise and sunset. I would like to work more here. It is really a beautiful experience working in this city.”

However, all the stars of “Aarakshan” including Amitabh, Saif and Deepika Padukone besides Director Prakash Jha ducked queries on what they feel personally on ‘aarakshan’ or reservations, a sensitive issue.