In a freewheeling chat to Suparna from Mumbai Mirror, Aziz tells us what kept him away, and more

• Chalte Chalte was your last film six years back, what kept you away?

I lost my wife a few days after the release of Chalte Chalte. It was very difficult for me to cope with that. We had been together since our school days. I guess that’s why I’m a romantic and it shows in my films. Slowly, my kids started coaxing me to make a film, but I wasn’t sure about that for a long time.

• How did you zero down on Kismat Konnection?

I had begun considering making a film on death and love after going through the pain of losing my wife. But around that time, my daughter Raila came up with an idea which I loved. After that whoever I discussed the idea with, loved it. So I think this film was destined to be made.• Shah Rukh Khan has been a constant with you, but this time you decided to cast Shahid…

I needed a younger actor as per the storyline and Shahid suited the role to a T.

• How did you find Shahid after working with SRK in all your previous films?

Shahid is a very good actor. If your actor is good, the effort rubs off on you as a director. In many areas, he has surpassed my expectations. In fact, both Shahid and Vidya have done more justice to their characters than the way I had conceived it. These kids have put in extra effort, so I pushed them even more. I enjoy working with actors who want to excel. You just can’t push some actors because you know they have limitations.

• Did you cast Shahid and Vidya because they are creating a buzz at the moment?

I am not someone who can think of all these commercial aspects. You can’t think of all that when you make a film. At least I don’t think about all that. Even when I wanted to cast Shah Rukh, people told me ‘look at his hair, why do you want to cast him?’ But I was convinced that he is a good actor. Similarly, when I signed Shahid, neither Vivah nor Jab We Met had released, but I knew instinctively that Shahid is a good actor. Besides, he suited the role.

• You have shot a promotional video for the film, it is very unlike you?

Shahid is a great dancer and Vidya is a very hardworking actress. They both have done a good job in the video. Also, I am alright with dance numbers as long as they are not vulgar. A good dance song is something everybody loves today. In any case, I leave all the promotion work up to the kids — Raila, Shahid and Vidya, and Ramesh Taurani, who is the producer of the film. My job is only to make the film, which I have done.

• Why is the film called Kismat Konnection with a K?

I had kept Lucky Charm as the working title, but it was Sanjay Chhel’s (dialogue writer) idea to call it Kismat Konnection.

Related posts:

1. “Shahid has surprised me…” - Aziz Mirza
2. Shah Rukh is too old for ‘Kismet Konnection’: Aziz Mirza
3. Shahid & Vidya - The ‘Konnection’ is on!
4. Exclusive First Look: Kismat Konnection
5. Kismat Konnection Movie Review