"Chillar Party is a paisaVasool film"
Tell us about 'Chillar Party'.
It's Salman Khan Being Human (SKBH) Productions first co-production with UTV Motion Pictures. The film is a light-hearted but touching comedy that revolves around the lives of seven children each hailing from different sections of society, typical of suburban Mumbai with street names like Jangiya, Phatka, Second Hand, Panauti, Silencer, Shaolin, Tooth Paste, etc. The movie is a simple and heart¬warming peek into the journey of a group of kids who defeat the odds and prove their loyalty to a friend.
How did you agree to co-produce the film?
I had always wanted to do a film specially for children, a fun film, and when the director duo Vikas Bahl and Nitesh Tiwari came to me with the unique concept of this film I was more than impressed. I then convinced Siddharth Roy Kapur at UTV to produce the film along with me and it has shaped up very well. Actually, the script reminded me of my childhood days and I wanted to produce the film entirely but UTV convinced me to be a partner. It's not a small film but a 'paisa vasool' film.
Why premiere the film at the IIFA in Toronto?
'Chillar Party' is very close to my heart, the children's performances were endearing. This is the first film under SKBH Productions and we felt there was no better place to screen the movie than at the IIFA. For me IIFA is home ground and it can't get bigger than IIFA in Toronto.
How did you get Ranbir Kapoor to do a special appearance in the film with the item song?
Ranbir Kapoor is all set to get the country grooving with the item number 'Tai Tai Phiss'. The song, which has been composed by National Award winning music director Amit Trivedi, with Nitesh Tiwari as the lyricist, is the highlight of the film. When I approached Ranbir, who is a good friend of mine, he immediately agreed to do the song for free.
How did you cast for the children?
We auditioned in different states all over India and after a massive search handpicked seven kids from different parts of the country on the basis of what specific acts they could perform like dancing, singing or mimicking actors. One boy does a brilliant Michael Jackson act and one speaks the 'tapori' street lingo impressively. All the boys are really impish and we had a difficult time controlling them on the sets but we had fun while shooting.
Are you happy with the film?
Yes, More than me my father too is impressed by the film. I am applying for a tax free status for the film and the information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Sonijee has seen the film and liked it and has promised to grant ‘tax free’ status in all states
