Deepika and Farhan talk film in Dubai

Dubai: Bollywood stars Deepika Padukone and Farhan Akhtar were on a roll on Wednesday as they jetted into Dubai for the world premiere of their latest film Karthik Calling Karthik. Clad in crisp white cotton shirts, their moods were a reflection of their breezy sartorial choices.

"I feel a mixture of nervousness, anticipation and excitement," said Akhtar. "Karthik Calling Karthik is a suspense thriller that has been dealt with in a sensible manner. I feel really happy and relieved that it is finally here. It's out of our hands now,".

His co-star Deepika Padukone, meanwhile, took her time to talk business. She plays the love interest of Akhtar in the film.

"What got me hooked onto Karthik Calling Karthik was its script. I remember that even during the initial script narration I did not want to take a single break or interval. I was eager to hear the rest of the story," said Padukone.

 

Their calm and collected demeanour did not shatter, even as they fielded controversial questions during a press conference on Wednesday morning. When asked if the Bollywood film fraternity had failed to show adequate support during the My Name Is Khan release furore, Akhtar was quick to jump to his clan's defense.

Earlier in the month, Shah Rukh's film landed in trouble when a Mumbai-based Hindu fundamentalist group threatened to block its release and had even vandalised theatres. Khan's statement about Pakistani cricketers had triggered the controversy.

"Many stars were vocal about it and were against the vandalism. As a filmmaker, I feel the censor board is the last deciding body. Once they have cleared the film, beyond that there shouldn't be any government which should influence the film's release," said Akhtar.

But he was quick to add that the Maharashtra State Government and the police had done a good job in tackling the uproar in Mumbai.

"They had urged the people to go to the theatres to watch the film. So that's good. But as fimmaker I hope such an issue doesn't happen again," he said. The director-turned-actor added that he will resume directing Shah Rukh Khan later this year.

"The shooting for Don had begun last year but we had to postpone it because Shah Rukh injured his shoulders and couldn't do the action stunts. But we will soon start shooting in May."

In all probability, Akhtar's next directorial venture Don 2: The Chase Begins will be different from his latest thriller Karthik Calling Karthik. Debutante director Vijay Lalwani adds that his film is a departure from the Bollywood musicals.

"In Karthik Calling Karthik, we have tried to keep it real. There won't be any lip syncing of songs. Even in music, we have tried to blend it realistically with the script."