Amitabh does not blame me for 'Aag' : RGV

Ram Gopal Varma's 'Aag' may be considered a dark spot on Amitabh Bachchan's otherwise illustrious film career but the controversial director says he is thankful that the mega star does not blame him for the debacle.

A a remake of 1975 cult classic 'Sholay', the 2007 release saw Bachchan essaying the role of 'Gabbar', which was played by Amzad Khan in the original. But even the mega star's presence could not save the film, which went on to become one of the biggest flops in Indian cinema history, with public terming it 'Ram Gopal Varma Ki Rakh'.

Did Verma ever go back and ask Bachchan what really made him sign the film?

"Making 'Aag' was my fault and Big B knows exactly what went wrong in the making of the film. We are just looking at the cause which is something known only to insiders like us," Varma told PTI in an interview.

The director, popularly known as Ramu in the industry, is thankful that things continue to be quite fine between him and the actor.

"Thankfully, Mr Bachchan continues to have respect for me as a filmmaker. He knows that the film didn't falter because of my carelessness," Varma said.

It has been more than two years since the release of 'Aag' and there are dozens of jokes floating around the industry circles, why does Ramu continue to take all the humour at his expense? Even he has been giving the entire 'Aag' fiasco a good laugh.

"I don't mind that. I can never see myself defending a movie or mine by making statements like 'Oh, this is just like my baby and I can never be objective about it'. I disconnect from it soon after it's release," Varma said.

"In any case, we are in an age where all of us, including myself, love to put things down. Rather than sulking over people's comments, I would rather join them and have all the fun," he added.

After roping in Big B for 'Sarkar' (2005), Ramu continued the association with 'Darna Zaroori Hai' (2006), 'Nishabd' (2007), 'Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag' (2007) and 'Sarkar Raj' (2008).
Bachchan has once again teamed up with Ramu for 'Rann', which wil see the 67-year-old actor essaying the role of a media honcho.

A multi starrer that also features Riteish Deshmukh, Sudeep, Gul Panag, Neetu Chandra, Mohnish Behl, Rajat Kapoor and Paresh Rawal, 'Rann' is said to be a hard hitting affair that promises to expose the functioning of media.

Amitabh Bachchan plays the role of the owner of a news channel. 'Rann' wiil be released in January 2010.

Ask Varma what it takes to convince Big B to come on board at such regular frequency for his movies and the director shoots back, "I guess this is a question which is best put forth to Mr Bachchan.

"As a filmmaker, I can just go and detail him about the subject and the role that I have in the offering. What does it take for him to be a part of the film is something that only he can decide. I can't be going back and ask him why he chose to do my film. Why should I?,"

Varma is currently busy supervising the marketing and promotional plans for 'Rann' and shooting for his ambitious project, 'Rakta Charitra', which stars Shatrughan Sinha and Vivek Oberoi in the lead.