Bobby Pushkarna: Producer of Madhur Bhandarkar's 'Page 3'!

By GAUTAM BURAGOHAIN

How did the idea to start a film on the celebrity circuit come up?
I was very impressed with Madhur’s ‘Chandni Bar’ and I called him up and showed an interest in making a film with him. We met in London (that’s where I live). The initial idea was to make another film, but in the middle of our conversation, Madhur just bounced the idea of ‘Page 3’ at me. I was so charged up by it, I immediately decided to make the film. We stuck the deal in five minutes in a coffee shop. Since Madhur and I don’t drink booze, we raised the toast with a cup of tea, at 2 in the morning.

 
 

Page 3 is going to be your first film...
Yeah, my first independent venture. Basically, I’m into the real estate business in London. But my father was a renowned film producer, having made more than a dozen films - like ‘Khuda Kasam’, ‘Chacha Bhatija’, ‘Do Dilon Ki Dastaan’ and others. Not many people know that my father was supposed to make ‘Sholay’, but due to some misunderstanding he backed out from the project.

Why did you decide on an unusual theme for your debut venture?
I was fascinated by the whole party circuit that’s coming up in cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore. And showing it through the eyes of a journalist will be interesting. I’m planning to take this film to all the major film festivals around the world, like Venice, Bafta, Cairo, Milan and others.That’s why we are in a hurry to wrap up the shooting as soon as possible, in just 25 days. I will be more than happy with this film if it recovers my investment and makes a lakh profit. I don’t want anything more than this.

Who decided on Konkona Sen?
You won’t believe it - both of us came up with Konkona’s name at the same time. I was just telling Madhur about the girl in ‘Mr And Mrs Iyer’ and he said, yes, Konkona, let’s approach her. With a talented actress like Konkona playing the main protagonist, the film will be a real treat to watch out for.

What about the other girls?
I have signed Tara Sharma - she is playing an aspiring actress; while talks are on with Sandhya Mridul for an airhostess’ role.

Wasn’t Raima Sen suppose to be in the film as well?
(A bit hesitantly)... Yeah, we did approach her. I also read somewhere that she was very excited about the film. But latter I think she had some problem with her dates

And what about Kareena - wasn’t she suppose to do the lead role?

Madhur and I were keen to sign Kareena Kapoor for the film. Madhur even met her and discussed the role. We wanted to shoot the film right away, and Kareena had no dates to spare.

After ‘Page 3’, what next...?
Something big is coming, on the way. Just wait till June; I will be announcing my most ambitious film then.