Manoj Kumar is back to direction after nearly a decade or so. Excerpts from an interview with the veteran actor:

Why this Indo-Pak theme, as we have already seen quite a number of films involving the two nations ?
It’s not based on Indo-Pak political relations. Politics is a filthy thing and I don’t want any filth in my picture. My film is based completely on human relations. The partition of India was on the basis of religion.

My theme is different... God created human beings and human beings created religion. And for religion, they are killing God’s creations.

Whose creation is bigger – God’s or that of human beings’. I don’t see any difference between Islam and Hinduism, and Christianity although Hinduism is a way of life.

Then, what is the film about ?
It’s a love story spun around religion; you have to convey this theme through obstacles in life, in love. It’s a love story based on the victims of this mean and narrow outlook.

Have you chosen the characters who’ll be playing the lead roles ?
I am trying to assemble things bit by bit; filmmaking these days has changed. Corporates have come, stars are producing their own films. Manoj Kumar himself is no longer a  young star. I’m talking to a few of them regarding this.

Do you have some particular hero and heroine in mind ? 
I have some people in mind, but have not approached them so far. I have appointments with them and I’ll talk to them shortly. If talks fail, I’ll go in for newcomers; there is no dearth of newcomers in the industry at the moment.

With whom are you negotiating?
Sorry, I can’t disclose names at the moment as it may hurt the deal. I can’t even tell you the budget of the film as it is difficult to spell it out now.

When is the shooting slated to begin and where do you plan to shoot ?
I’ll be able to tell you the schedule once I finalise everything, the cast that is. If everything falls in place which I hope it will, shooting will begin in the middle of October.

Where are you planning to shoot in Pakistan ?
Yes, I have plans to shoot in Pakistan. There are people, there are well-wishers. I get tremendous love and affection there. I also have my script ready.

Some specific locations in mind ?
Some parts of the Frontier, Islamabad and Lahore. Currently, the country is on the boil. Once everything settles down maybe. I want to be sure about the person I have to approach (for approval of shooting).

Who are your favourite directors ?
Of course, Manikda (late Satyajit Ray), a class by himself who made Indian cinema reach international heights... Raj Kapoor and Raj Khosla. In fact, Khoslaji brought the best out of me as an actor in Woh Kaun Thi and Do Badan.

Some of your favourite films as an actor and director.

Do Badan, Hariali aur Rasta, Dr Vidya, Gumnam, Sahid, Upkar... and of course Shore. Dilip Kumar was my idol, but I never consciously copied him.

Would you share your experience of working with Vaijayantimala in Dr Vidya ?
Very cordial... she was senior. I worked with her in another film and she never behaved like a star and was very cooperative. I have no bitter experience with her.

What is your opinion on Vaijayantimala's recent revelations about Raj Kapoor ?
I don’t know anything of their relationship. I have no idea if the affair was gossip or rumour, but it was very hot during those days.

I am not saying anything to contradict it. But I only feel bad because when the great man is no more, something is being written to malign him.

It is some sort of confession in denial. It is inhuman… if something unfair is being talked about me and if my conscience is clear, I’ll clarify it right then.. and I’ll not wait for years to speak out against the man when he is no more.

I had long sessions with Raj saab, even late hours, he never mentioned about this to me or uttered Vaijayantiji's name even once. We discussed Shantaramji, Mehebub Khan, Tapan Sinha, Manikda .. and so many things.

I think very few know that you wrote the first part of Mera Naam Joker.
(Laughs) My relations with Raj saab were very thick. I was asked to write it.

You may also speak to Rishi Kapoor and get it clarified as he knows more about it.