Harman Baweja is happy with the super-success of his film Mrs. The Sanya Malhotra starrer has amassed considerable viewership and has also become a huge talking point on the internet. Bollywood Hungama exclusively spoke to the producer about this film and then also about his father, the reputed producer-director Harry Baweja.
Harry Baweja did several memorable films with Ajay Devgn. Since the current trend is to re-release older classics, we asked him if he also plan to bring back his father’s films in cinemas again? Harman Baweja replied, “I have thought about it for sure, of getting Dilwale (1994), Diljale (1996) and Qayamat (2003), the three films of Ajay Devgn back on the big screen. But as of now, there are no concrete plans as such.”
Harman Baweja has spoken about working on Qayamat but his name doesn’t appear in the beginning and end credits. When asked about it, he said, “I used to sit beside my dad’s desk. I was his EA, his PA, his assistant director, assistant producer, production controller and assistant editor. I was the jack of all (laughs). I had just come back from film school and it was my training ground. That was when he was finishing a film named Deewane (2000) after which we got into Qayamat. In between, I produced Yeh Kya Ho Raha Hai (2002).”
He continued, “I was in office and I was doing everything that you are supposed to do for those 7 years. Also, when you are working under your dad, no one cares about all these things (being credited). You are training more than anyone. Yeh Kya Ho Raha Hai (2002) was one film where I had worked hands-on. I also produced as well as wrote a film called Speed (2007).”
When asked about the bond that Harry Baweja and Ajay Devgn shared, Harry Baweja replied, “They had a great bond and a great understanding. It used to be great seeing them interact. The conversation would be minimal and yet, they would get each other since they had done so many films together. Ajay sir anyway is known to be minimal in his conversation. My dad is also a very to-the-point guy. That’s what they loved about each other – they discussed what they needed to discuss and that was the end of it. Both made some blockbuster films. I hope and pray that one day, I can make such blockbuster films too. If I could pull off half of what my dad did, I’d be a very content man!”
Ajay Devgn is known to be a prankster. Did he play pranks on him too? Harman Baweja laughed and stated, “I was the kid on the set. Also, I was more protected than anyone else. Moreover, my dad was a tough taskmaster. I don’t think anyone had the heart to pull a prank on me. They must be thinking, ‘He’s anyway suffering a lot. His father is making him work like a maniac. Let’s leave him alone and catch someone else’ (laughs).”
When asked about how his father Harry Baweja was doing, Harman Baweja revealed, “He’s good. He’s chilling. I have a son and a daughter. Both are under 2 ½ years of age. He’s enjoying being a grandfather a lot and that makes me happy. He started from scratch, worked all his life and built the banner. At least, now he’s spending time with his grandkids and other extended family members. If I come home late, he now asks me, ‘Have you eaten your dinner? I am like, ‘When was the last time you ever asked me if I ate?’ (laughs)! It was always ‘Kaam khatam kiya ki nahin?’! Now, I see a different side of my father and it's sweet (smiles). It’s also a wholesome experience to watch mom and dad evolve into overtly loving grandparents.”
The fact that Mrs and his other projects have got acclaim must have also made Harry Baweja proud. Harman nodded, “I update my father on everything I am doing. Once or twice, I run him through everything – every song I record and every script we are working on.”
Forthcoming projects
Harman Baweja then shared details about his upcoming The Boy From Andamans. Not much is known about it. Harman said, “That is with Imagine Entertainment; they have made some phenomenal films in the West. Richie Mehta has also come on board. I am very excited about this collaboration. We are trying to break boundaries. It’s a story from India but with Richie’s vision, it just helps as we take this Indian story to the world.”
Will The Boy From Andamans be released on the big screen? He answered, “Yes. I’ll reveal more about it later.”
He’s also excited about Dil Ka Darwaaza Khol Na Darling, starring Siddhant Chaturvedi, Wamiqa Gabbi and Jaya Bachchan. He exulted, “It’s a fun film and has a great star cast. Vikas Bahl is one of the few directors at present who can cut across so many genres. From Shaitaan to Super 30 to Queen, the guy has managed to switch genres successfully. It also has romance apart from comedy and it’s a feel-good film.”
Harman continued, “We also have Maharagni with Kajol. Both these films have been targeted for the big screen. I am also working on a couple more projects which will be announced soon.”
Finally, would he like to act again after his bravura performance in Scoop? Harman Baweja said, “Honestly, I am kind of loving this space I am in right now. In the near future, I want to keep my blinders on and focus on creating beautiful films (smiles).”
Also Read: Harman Baweja humbled by love as Sanya Malhotra starrer Mrs. wins Best OTT Film and Best Actress awards
