Director Rajkumar Hirani is on top of the world.
His Lage Raho Munna Bhai feels like the film of the year so far, the world going unanimously ga-ga over the Sanjay Dutt-Arshad Warsi starrer.
Rediff readers caught up with the director on a chat on Friday,and this was one great chat with readers throwing in ideas for Munna Bhai 3 and Hirani revealing all the stuff we didn't know, like Circuit's original name! In case you missed it, here's all the action:
Rajkumar Hirani says, Hi guys, This is Rajkumar Hirani. I'm here. Let's chat.
zaki asked, How Did you get the Name Circuit For a Human Being?
Rajkumar Hirani answers, Zaki, Circuit initially was called Farooque Khujli. Arshad felt it was too itchy a name. So we thought of fuse. someone who loses it when Munna is attacked. Fuse to circuit happened soon. Short circuit that is
Adi asked, How do you go about becoming a filmmaker?
Rajkumar Hirani answers, Adi go to a film school. That is the shortest and the best way
shitij asked, Mr. Hirani, your films doesnt have that international look...I mean the product doesnt look niche enough...Please take care of this in the third part...just make it more of an international looking movie even if you want to shoot it in Mumbai slums.
Rajkumar Hirani answers, Shitij, international look does not come from shooting in Switzerland. this is a Bombay film and it is supposed to look real. If it was glossy it would look unreal. Will still think about what you say.
meranaam asked, how did u manage a sequel which was earlier done by a different director ??
Rajkumar Hirani answers, Meranaam the earlier film was also done by me.
DG asked, IS THERE ANY MAKING OF MUNNABHAI 3
Rajkumar Hirani answers, Yes, but it will take at least 2 years
ajay asked, is the Gandhian philosophy really valid today?
Rajkumar Hirani answers, Ajay, Gandhian philosophy was valid when conditions were much more tough. We were slaves to the British. I'm sure it is valid today. We just have to believe in it. Have faith
raghu asked, hello & greetings to you!!!! I have seen Munnabhai and Lage raho Munnabhai, I really liked comic timing of Munna & circuit. Did you get inspired by any comic characters?
Rajkumar Hirani answers, Tin Tin and Asterix are my favourites
srk asked, Lage Raho is great, but tell me one thing, where does the onroad family start staying after Jhanavi slaps Munna
Rajkumar Hirani answers, They start living in a rented house. It is not specified in the film though. Accept my mistake
cricuit asked, can u rate the scene where saju says sorry to arshad how tough was to get that scene perfect and how many takes it took
Rajkumar Hirani answers, It was tough to write that one. We shot it in one day. Was not that tough
Jaison asked, Your movie treaded a balanced path in propogating the essence of Gandhian idealism-selflessness (IMHO). You hear people saying that the movie is great and it was really inspiring. People come out of theatres smiling. But we still have a lot of purposeless politicians who negate/exploit the goodness of everything the common man believs in. IN your heart, were you expecting to make a difference?
Rajkumar Hirani answers, I'm a film maker not a crusader. I know a film will not change the world. If it can make a difference to a few that's good enough
Eray asked, Mr. Hirani, it was a wonderful experience with Munnabhai and Gandhi. I must say, something original and from our roots. I am from Surat and most of my business is broken down due to floods, and in this time I had a chance to watch your film. Am here just to say that films do inspire to fight back. Truly, your film was just a guiding force and once again we will thrive back again. Thanks for making this film.
Rajkumar Hirani answers, Thanks Eray. Messages like this make me emotional. God bless you. All will be fine. Goodness will prevail
Brij asked, How is the international response to ur work? Do get any accolades or appreciation for the kind of work you do?
Rajkumar Hirani answers, As of now mostly Indians staying abroad have seen it. The response is phenomenal. Ssince yesterday I have been getting responses from Americans who have seen it. I got messages saying this is amongst the finest films they have seen ever.
sandeep asked, Hi Raju, I am a senior vice-president in a fortune 10 company, but my heart is set on making films because I think I have a story to tell and a society to influence. What advice can you give me to learn the ropes of scripting a story and screenplay?
Rajkumar Hirani answers, There are many courses available on scripting in the US. Many books available in India. Try Syd Fields book on scripting as a start
rahulyadgire asked, Mr.Rajkumar ur are FTII Alumini....how was ur experince in Pune?do u like Pune
Rajkumar Hirani answers, I love Pune. The 3 years spent at FTII are the ones I cherish the most. Memories that don't fade away
Biswajit asked, mr. hirani, do u plan to make any more episodes in the munna-circuit series.
Rajkumar Hirani answers, Yes i want Munna and Circuit to live. Even if i don't direct I want others to do it.
abhay asked, Actor Who played Gandhi is really great. He played Gandhi extremely fantastic. Everyone's focus on Munnabhai, Circuit. Do you think the actor who played Gandhi is not getting much attention.
Rajkumar Hirani answers, We kept him in hiding for 2 weeks. Didn't want to break the spell. He is now out. You will see a lof of him in the media
saurabh asked, Hi Mr Hirani, would you like to always show hope in movies or at times you would like to indulge in reality cinema etc?
Rajkumar Hirani answers, I feel the primary job of cinema is to entertain. So hope is better than sadness. If i have to show reality I will make a documentary. I have thoughts on making a documentary on the guys who predict future.
Anita asked, Mr. Hirani .. Just tell me and the world how do you do this? Did God make you specially for some real stuff like these films.. I eman they say History does repat.. and we are actually seeing that History really repeats .. though we never beleived it all these days
Rajkumar Hirani answers, Ha ...ha
jeet asked, These two are wonderful movies. Please don't kill the charm of these two by making another munnbhai movie.
Rajkumar Hirani answers, I promise I will make it only if I can better this. This is what I had told myself after MBBS.
Aditya asked, Sir, do you plan your shots beforehand?
Rajkumar Hirani answers, 100%. I'm too scared to enter the sets unprepared
BEWallah asked, Hi Hirani sahab. Congrats and thank you for another wholesome entertainer. The tragedy of Munnabhai MBBS was that it was a feel good movie that everyone praised as a comedy. Perhaps the theme of redemption after failure to realize your own expectations of yourself was too close and personal for most people. They were not comfortable admitting the lesson that movie taught of it being okay to fail. While for most people the Lagay raho theme of Gandhigiri is sufficiently abstract and impersonal. It doesn't affect us personally, so it becomes okay to whole-heartedly praise and endorse it. The praise that you are recieving for Lagay raho is in reality the praise for MBBS that people dared not say. What do you think
Rajkumar Hirani answers, Don't know. You tell me.
gautam asked, R u open to scripts written by someone else Or do u want to write ur own script for Munnabhai 3 ??
Rajkumar Hirani answers, I'm absolutely open to scripts written by someone else. If I get good scripts I can make more films. otherwise I spend a year writing and another one shooting
vinay asked, sir , how did u integrate such a beautiful script with a mannerism that it is so easily understandable.I mean how do u decide whether to work upon a script or not ?
Rajkumar Hirani answers, Just go by my gut. No other way. Can't write thinking that someone else will like it.
biswa asked, u r an alumni of ftii. wht do u think is palguing the premier film institute in india tht the passouts take too long to establish themselves as independent. eg. sanjay bhansali and u.
Rajkumar Hirani answers, Nothing wrong with the institute. Still the best place to learn film making. It's just we don't come from film families. It takes time to find our bearings.
ajayk asked, just want to know that why Gandhiji did not answer the 3 questions at the right time ?
Rajkumar Hirani answers, Whatever Gandhiji speaks is what Munna has read about him. Munna didn't know Bapu's mother's name or his ashram's name in South Africa. When the psychiatrist hands him a paper with these answers. Munna reads it and HIS BAPU answers. Bapu was a creation of his own mind from whatever he had read about him.
anand asked, I was terribly hurt to see the Pirated VCD's of your movie in the market.... Have you taken any steps...Please comment...
Rajkumar Hirani answers, I would request all you guys with folded hands to discourage pirated CDs. Please please don't watch the films on pirated CDs. It eats into the producer's revenue. Many producers make loses or barely break even because of this. Pirates make more money than the producers. I strongly strongly feel that good cinema will die if piracy is not curtailed.
rahul21 asked, sir i came to know that research work for munna bhai mbbs was done in govt medical college,nagpur.If its true than how long u did it.
Rajkumar Hirani answers, I grew up in nagpur and had friends in GMC. I spent time with them and took notes of things I saw there.
nandu asked, hi mr. hirani....am nandini...a wannabe film maker from the south...i loved both your films...just one complaint...that we could have done with more of circuit in the sequel....incidentally i am an r.j at world space too
Rajkumar Hirani answers, Goooooooood mooooorrrrrniiiiing Nandini. promise to have more of Circuit next time. Or should I ask him to see you at World Space.
sridhar asked, mr. hirani how influenced are you by Hrishikesh Mukherjee? I saw strong similarities in the structuring and the characterisation... Was it a challenge to focus on the gandhi subplot without losing the innate character traits of Munna and Circuit?
Rajkumar Hirani answers, Yes i'm influenced by Hrishikesh Mukherjee. Have grown up on Anand, Gol Maal, Chupke chupke... yes this script was far more tough than MBBS. Fine balance to be maintained between Gandhi philosophy and Munna Circuit gags.
rajatjain asked, i heard about munna bhai meeting george bush in nxt sequel...is dat true???
Rajkumar Hirani answers, Munnabhai will go to America for sure. Still scripting it. As of now looks like he will visit White House.
ashu asked, did u study about Gandhi before making the movie just like munnabhai did in the movie
Rajkumar Hirani answers, Yes I did my research but not in a library where Bapu appears. I studied him at home.
Mahesh asked, Lage Raho Munnabhai made me laugh, made me cry and made me think. Its after a long time such an excellent movie has come. And the Gandhi-giri twist was excellently done. Will you make movies which are not in the Munnabhai series or are you planning to stick to this lovable pair all the time?
Rajkumar Hirani answers, I'm in fact writing a film which is not a Munnabhai film. That would probably be the next, unless Munnabhai comes from down under and pulls me to him.
Jiggy asked, Sir, DO u think a parallel can be drawn between Rang de Basanti and Lage Raho? I mean both give teh same message but use two diff styles, like Bhagat singh vs Gandhi
Rajkumar Hirani answers, I love Rang De Basanti. Both are different films. As I said earlier film makers are not crusaders here to change the world. I enjoy watching RDB as much I enjoy making LRM
Deepesh asked, Can you make Munnabhai Engineer ? Munnabhai can compete with Bill gates !!!!
Rajkumar Hirani answers, I have got suggestions to make Munnabhai into engineer, CA, income tax officer, computer geek, politician, lawyer etc etc etc. Phew... one life...
suvendu asked, Could you please make a film on Gandhi with Gandhi as the lead character?
Rajkumar Hirani answers, To me Gandhiji is the hero in this film.
Anita asked, I understand Sir its not going to be easy for you to reply to everyone... But my son would get his best gift if you just say Hi to him.. His name is SHREYAS and he has literally been fed with Munnabhai MBBS and Lage raho over a span of 3 years..... Its his 8th Birthday today.... And I am sure you would say a single Hi to him.
Rajkumar Hirani answers, Hey Shreyas happy birthday to you.... even my son is 8 years old. Lage raho....Gandhigiri zindabad. Be a good boy. God bless you.
smarajit asked, why was Circuit's love life never shown in either of the movies?
Rajkumar Hirani answers, Circuit is in love with Munna. You did see their love life.
Chandan asked, Is it true hollywood is making similar movie on munnabhai mbbs? how do u feel?
Rajkumar Hirani answers, Yes Hollywood is remaking MBBS. Feels great
cricuit asked, dont u think this is the best movie ever made and might be the first one to get an oscar as i am living in bahrain and saw the even arabs r watching this movie with gr8 pleasure
Rajkumar Hirani answers, Superb... Lage raho
Ashish asked, Hi, Can you make Munnabhai daily? I would like to spend 10$ to learn my roots, eithics with fun? What next?
Rajkumar Hirani answers, Phew... it took me two years to write this. With a daily write my obituary.
suvendu asked, Mr Hirani: I watched the movie yesterday and really laughed after a long time in side a theatre. You have done a good job of depicting the real Gandhi. The scene where in Gandhi says that all his statues should be destroyed, all the road in his name should be renamed etc. That was very typical of Gandhi. Only a real Gandhi can do this. People who ape Gandhi by wearing a topi and Khadi can not do this in their lifetime
Rajkumar Hirani answers, My favourite scene too. Hey guys can you all tell me which is your favourite scene in the film
dhaval asked, What is the status of the movie 'GANGSTER MD'....the Hollywood version of Munnabhai......we are eager to see it....?
Rajkumar Hirani answers, Shoot begins Jan 2007
saki asked, hirani ji,will u change the star cast in part 3 or will it be the same
Rajkumar Hirani answers, Munna and Circuit will remain the same. Others will have to change.
thriving asked, you like to make hopeful movies or real movies?
Rajkumar Hirani answers, I always love hope. It's so positive.
MunnaBhai asked, Bole to Raju Bhai, tumhara team solid hoga, nahi?
Rajkumar Hirani answers, Ekdum.... like and Munna and Circuit's friendship
Poonam M asked, Why are you replying to only male people ? R u gender Biased
Rajkumar Hirani answers, Hey poonam... love you. Let's meet up.
MunnaBhai asked, Khabri log bolta hai ki, andhar ki baat hai. Vidhu Vinod Chopra ko BHAI aur tumko MUNNA bolta hai?
Rajkumar Hirani answers, Eakdum correct hain Mamu. Apun Munna hain aur Vinod Bhai.
chandwani asked, which is ur favorite scene in both the movies?
Rajkumar Hirani answers, The carrom scene in MBBS and the pension man stripping in Lage raho
Vamshee asked, Hello Sir,This is Vamshee from California. Would like to thank you for once again giving us a clear entertainer that we can watch with our complete family. Can u tell us what the next offering from you and also who is your inspiration beyond making such good movies. Where you inspired by any person in real life
Rajkumar Hirani answers, My Dad and Vinod.
pras asked, the best thing abt ur movies is the originality and "Indian" feeling...there is no hypocrisy in ur movies
Rajkumar Hirani answers, Love you
Suhas asked, Hirani Sir, aapne Tapori language kahi se sikhi thi kya?
Rajkumar Hirani answers, Apun Nagpur se hain Mamu. Udhar sab tapori bhasha chalta hain
vijay asked, is sanjay dutt in movie studied ? how can he read books so many at once.........since he is unpad(illitrate) ? superb movie........ enjoyed a lot.......
Rajkumar Hirani answers, If you remember MBBS his father said he ran away from the house after his 10th standard. so he is a matriculate.
chandra asked, Y dont u start a comic strip with the antics of munnabhai and circuit?????
Rajkumar Hirani answers, Something is in the pipeline
Inder asked, Hi Raj, what about Two Munnabhais and Two circuits - idea for remake of Angoor
Rajkumar Hirani answers, Angoor is one of my favourite films. Superb idea. Will think about it Inder. Thanks
Phani asked, U too 've good looks. Why can't u be munna urself??
Rajkumar Hirani answers, Phani are you male or female???
Anisa asked, Fantastic movie! Your film has several significant dialogues which have much deeper meaning in the present society. Was it a conscious effort to do so? Each and every scene in the movie is my favourite. I love the scene where you attack astrology at the end and the scene where circuit 'assists' Gandhiji to the taxi. I have already watched this movie twice in one week, wouldn't mind watching it everyday! Great Job!
Rajkumar Hirani answers, Love you Anisa. I love you for your comment on astrology. Some day I have to do a documentary on it.
far asked, i request u please dont change vidya balan in any sequel of munna bhai. she looks very good opp sanju baba and on personal note she looks very innocent in the movie too please again making request do not change her please,........
Rajkumar Hirani answers, Will pass your message to her.
vikibhat asked, How do manage to strike such a chemistry amongst your actors.Do you hold workshops or something for them prior to shooting
Rajkumar Hirani answers, Actors need to believe in the project. once they have faith all happens. Every actor is different. boman does lots of preparations. Sanju is on the sets man. so you get into the mind of all your actors and handle them differently
Amjad Maruf asked, Hi Sir, First of all congrats for the film of the year. Excellent movie. Could you have avoided the scene where Circuit bashes up the professor? May be some other non-violent way to make Professor see reason could have looked better? This is the only scene I didn't like in the movie.
Rajkumar Hirani answers, Amjad when I show a professor being bashed in the film, it does not mean that i don't like professors. Understand it's a film. imagine a film were there are no ups and downs. It would be so boring. i respect my teachers in school, at FTII. I would not have been what I am without their help.
jignesh asked, Did Sanju actually bnreak down in scene with Jimmy where he talks bout loving your father?
Rajkumar Hirani answers, Yes. When Sanju spoke the lines eak din jab apun uttha to dekha apna baap tha nahi. Bhot kuchh tha jo usko bolne ka tha, sab andar reh gaya.... He broke down after he said that line.
Thorve asked, sir,do you think that the films like Rang De Basanti, Lagan, Swadesh, Lago Raho etc made by the new generation director make any changes in the thinking of the young blood especially in the time of terrissiom dominated period
Rajkumar Hirani answers, I don't know. you tell me.
dheeraj asked, Sir, i have seen ur movie and was inspired by that so much that, i went to an interview and told him the truth and not the lies that ws written in my bio-data, and i was told 'NO' for the Job, does this things work in reallty?
Rajkumar Hirani answers, Dheeraj I admire you for doing this. it would not have worked at the interview but I'm sure you within yourself felt strong. Trust me it will work in the long run. hats off to you. Hey please all you guys tell me of incidents like this. Did the film affect you or your friends in a positive way like this.
munnadada asked, Gooooooooooooooooddddddddddd Morninggggggggggggggggggggggggg Americaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa What a movie Munabhai lage raho....after watching the movie I started following Gandhigiri as much as I can. Thanks for spreading this kind of message to whole India and other parts of world with the media of entertainment. I love your work/sanju and circuit performance. I missed certainly Late Dutt Sahab and I hope there is no replacement for him. One question, Did you people face touch time specially with Sanju while making this film because in your previous film Dutt Sahab was part of that and was alive that time?
Rajkumar Hirani answers, Munna dada goooooooooooooooooo morninggggggggggggggggg. Yes we missed Dutt Saheb in the film. I had narrated the basic plot of the story to him. If he was alive he would have been really proud of his son after seeing this film
Anooop asked, Munnabhai MBBS was a film which made you laugh for 2 min it would make you emotional for another 2 min and set your mind to think for another 2 min. But LRM seemed to be a fun oriented movie and the scenes which shud've made us emotional looked like preplanned. Why do you think has LRM lost that 'Naturality' which MMBBS had??
Rajkumar Hirani answers, Everybody out there tell me - which one you preferred MBBS or Lage raho
Vipin asked, Your earlier movie gave me a lot of strength to fight with my deadily disease. SO lagen rahon
Rajkumar Hirani answers, Thanks Vipin. Lage raho. God bless you.
tarun asked, Circuit in love with Munna, kya Raj Bhai do you think this is India's answer to Brokeback Mountain ;)
Rajkumar Hirani answers, Ha...ha. Circuit's love for Munna is very motherly. He sings loris for him.
parivartan asked, sir,what do you think is mr.v.v.chopra's contribution to the entire process....why is he preferring the sidelines nowadays?
Rajkumar Hirani answers, Big contribution. You will see him in the lime light with EKLAVYA
Rajkumar Hirani says, GOOD BYE. IT WAS REALLY NICE CHATTING WITH YOU ALL. LAGE RAHO....GANDHIGIRI ZINDABAD
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