Not interested in remakes

It infuriates him when people remix his songs and do not pay him royalty. “I feel cheated. I am going to do something about the law because someone else is living off my creation,” thunders Anand, referring to the Dum Maaro Dum song in a recent film of the same name.

The song — with Zeenat Aman swaying to the heady effects of dope — had first featured in Anand’s film Hare Rama Hare Krishna in 1971. The song was remixed and used in the remake without his consent. Anand says he is planning to make Hare Rama Hare Krishna again. “But not as a remake or a sequel. I do not like remakes. It will have a contemporary subject which the younger generation will be able to identify with,” he reveals.

Recalling how he met and introduced actor Jackie Shroff to the film world, he says, “My car passed by a shabbily dressed but handsome boy who stood on the road selling Charminar cigarettes. He was dressed in tattered blue denims and a dirty shirt, but his electrifying eyes spoke to me. I thought to myself, this boy needs to be in my film.

To my surprise, when I reached my office, I saw him at the doorstep. I immediately finalised on him. He may be known as Jackie Shroff but I know him since the time when he was just Jackie. He plays a pivotal role in my new upcoming movie ‘Chargesheet’,” says Anand.

He has high regard for Naseeruddin Shah as well. “I called him up just once. I am happy that even before listening to the narration, he accepted to be a part of ‘Chargesheet’.” Apart from these Bollywood biggies, the film features politician Amar Singh. “I offered Amar Singh a real character and he accepted it immediately. The character suits him. He also allowed us to shoot in his bungalow. He has acted very well.”