As ‘Mujhse Shaadi Karogi’ continues to enjoy cult status even after 22 years since its release, ahead of the film’s anniversary on July 30, the writer-director Anees Bazmee he looks back on the film with immense gratitude, while admitting that if he were writing it today, it would be a completely different story. In an exclusive conversation with ETimes, Bazmee spoke about the film’s enduring popularity, his writing process, creating unforgettable characters, his long association with Akshay Kumarand why he believes that memorable cinema is always the result of perfect teamwork.
Anees Bazmee reveals that he wrote Mujhse Shaadi Karoge for himself
Reflecting on the success of the salman khanAkshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra more protagonist, Bazmee says that his popularity is the result of various creative elements coming together perfectly. Anees reflects, “I think any film that continues to be loved over the years succeeds because a lot of things fall into place at the right time. A strong script, effective direction, acting, music, visuals, everything contributes. In Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, many of these aspects worked perfectly, and that’s why audiences still enjoy watching it.“Interestingly, Bazmee revealed that he had originally written the film with the intention of directing it himself. “I had written the script myself. I wanted to direct the film. But David Dhawan and Sajid Nadiadwala are very good friends. David had earlier directed ‘Deewana Mastana’, which I had written, and after that we had not worked together for some time. When they expressed their desire to do this film, I gladly gave them the script, and because we share friendship.Asked what if he writes ‘Mujhse Shaadi Karoge’ today, there will be changes in the film, Bazmee was quick to reply, “I have changed a lot as a person and as a writer. My thoughts, beliefs and understanding of life have evolved over the years. If I write Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, I’m sure every writer will grow with the same experience today.” The writer admitted that while the film remains a fan favorite, he would approach it very differently today.Known for creating unforgettable comic characters, Bazmee said that both story and character development go hand in hand. He said: “I always start with the story, what’s going to happen in the film. But just as important is how kind and entertaining the characters are. Also in real life, there are people you remember because you enjoy being around them. Cinema works the same way.” Bazmee believes that audiences naturally gravitate towards unique personalities on screen. “Most people in everyday life are pretty normal. That’s why when audiences see an interesting character in movies, they immediately connect with them,” he explains.
Bazmee cites the example of character Mushtaq Bhai from ‘Welcome’
“He wasn’t even a major character in such a big movie, but people still remember him for his quirky personality and dialogue. That’s the power of well-written characters.” Bazmee says his writing process changes depending on the project. Sometimes he visualizes a particular actor as he writes, while at other times he adapts the script after casting.“When I was writing ‘Singh Is Kinng’, Akshay Kumar was always on my mind because I had a wonderful experience working with him in ‘Welcome’. But there are many films where I write the script first and then make changes after an actor comes on board.” According to him, it’s the writer’s responsibility to understand each actor’s strengths and limitations.” Every actor has certain qualities where they shine and there are areas where they might not feel so comfortable. A writer should highlight strengths and avoid exposing weaknesses. This is how a character becomes more effective”, shares the director.
How Nana Patekar was inspired Uday Shetty and the ‘Uday Control’ moment entered the script
Bazmee also shared how interacting with Nana Patekar helped him reshape Uday Shetty’s iconic character in ‘Welcome’. “Nana ji was always on my mind while writing the role. But after meeting him, I realized that instead of making him shout whenever he gets angry, as the audience usually expects, I thought it would be funnier if he controlled himself. Thus entered the script the famous ‘Uday Shetty… control’ moment.“Anees, however, also says that writers cannot depend on an actor. “You might dream of a particular actor playing a role, but if that doesn’t happen, you can’t afford to waste a year and a half of writing. You have to stay practical,” he reasons.
Bazmee rarely watches his own films
Despite writing several iconic films, Bazmee admits that he hardly revisits them after release. “I usually don’t watch my movies again. But my family, friends and aides keep watching them and tell me which scenes they like. The interesting thing is that everyone’s favorite movie is different. Some love ‘Swarg’, some ‘Shola Aur Shabnam’, some ‘Aankhen’, some ‘Ladla’. Whenever I see them playing at home, I see some scenes.“Looking back on ‘Mujhse Shaadi Karogi’, Bazmee remembers the experience fondly. “It was an enjoyable film to write and work on. Salman Khan and I have always shared a great friendship. Akshay and I had worked together before and we always had fun on the sets. David Dhawan and Sajid Nadiadwala were like family to me. Priyanka Chopra was relatively new at the time and everyone brought a wonderful energy to the film.”