I've always wanted to work with Hrithik: Bhansali

Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali says he always wanted to work with Hrithik Roshan and he's doing exactly that in his new venture that also stars his favourite actress - Aishwarya Rai. The two have already created wonders together in Dhoom-2 and Jodhaa Akbar.

"Hrithik and I wanted to work together for a very long time. I've always been impressed by his sincerity as an actor. I was waiting for the right opportunity to sign him. Working with Hrithik would be a new and rewarding experience," Bhansali said.

The director admits that Aishwarya is "special", after having worked with her in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Devdas.

"Aishwarya is very special to me. She suits the role in my new film to perfection. When she read the script she was deeply moved," he said.

Bhansali also rubbished reports that he had signed on Pakistani actor Imran Abbas for his next venture.

"I haven't signed anyone called Imran Abbas. I'm not making Heera Mandi right now...I met him almost a year ago, but I immediately realised he wasn't the actor I was looking for. Just because I don't speak out, people take advantage of my silence."

He also maintains that he is still proud of his Saawariya, which flopped.

"It's my rarest work in terms of treatment."

Excerpts from the interview:

You seem to have quietly signed a Pakistani actor called Imran Abbas for Heera Mandi.
So quietly that even I don't know about it. I haven't signed anyone called Imran Abbas. I'm not making Heera Mandi right now. It may happen much later.

I'm now directing another film with Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai. I'm very excited about the film, and so are they.

You continue to be fearless in spite of Saawariya?
This is the time when filmmakers need to be fearless and experiment with themes. Fearlessness is my biggest asset as a filmmaker. I will continue to make films that come from deep within me. My very first film Khamoshi: The Musical didn't do well at all. A lot of people think it's my best work.

So are you as proud of Saawariya as the rest of your films?
Of course. Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam or Devdas can be made again, but Saawariya cannot. It's my rarest work in terms of treatment. It had beautiful performances and visuals. I tried to put a stage-play on film. Of course at the end of the day the audience decides what it likes.

So have you met Pakistani actor Imran?
Moin Beg, who has written Heera Mandi, wanted me to meet Imran. So I met him almost a year ago, but I immediately realised he wasn't the actor I was looking for. Just because I don't speak out, people take advantage of my silence.

Why don't you clarify the misconceptions when they occur?
I can't bring myself to become the master of sound bytes. But beyond a point silence is construed as a sign of acceptance. I don't even meet new actors, musicians or lyricists. I've already decided whom to work with in my next project. And why go to Pakistan to get actors? We've very talented people in our own country.

There were reports that some actors, including Ranbir Kapoor, didn't want to work with you?
People are writing tragic tales about me every day. They are even deciding what film I'm making and also casting actresses in them... Maybe stories about me sell. But when the misrepresentations go beyond my tolerance, it's time to speak up. The truth is Ranbir and Sonam would be there for me whenever I need them. However, at the moment I'm making a film with Hrithik and Aishwarya.