Tajdar Amrohi to revive father Kamal Amrohi's banner

Tajdar Amrohi, son of legendary filmmaker Kamal Amrohi, is reviving his father's banner with a slice-of-life tale about a common man. The film also marks the return of Shashilal Nair as a director after a decade. Thick as thieves for 30 years, the producer and director indulge in a friendly banter as they spill the beans about their production.
What prompted you to revive Kamal Amrohi Pictures with this film?
Tajdar: You reach a certain age in your life when you keep remembering things.My father was my hero, guide and philosopher. It is a huge challenge to revive his banner. I am grateful to Shashi for having taken it up. Our film is a common man's love story, but we don't want to reveal the title of the film yet.
Shashilal: It's a simple tale of a man who travels by trains and buses in Mumbai and whose love story remains incomplete.
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Will it remind audiences of Amol Palekar's brand of cinema?
Shashilal: Films like 'Chhoti Si Baat' were made over 30 years ago. Now, times have changed and today, the common man's love life is more tragic. It's difficult for people to find time for romance. In the new-age everything is digitised.
Tajdar: A lot of instances from our film are not inspired, but coincidentally they are similar to my dad's life. For instance, the protagonist meets his girl on a railway platform. My father met his first wife like that. Having said that, things were different earlier.
What triggered the thought behind this film?
Shashilal: The city has changed a lot. There is no place left for lovers and sadly, they are shooed away from everywhere. Why can't we feel happy that people around us are having a good time? Everyone is bogged down by pressure. My film is about whether love stands a chance amidst this chaotic life.
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You left for the UK and stayed away from the city for over a decade.
Shashilal: I was let down by an actress, and many friends and politicians over ego issues. I never spoke about my side of the story. I was disillusioned. Sometimes, you reach a stage where faith, trust and friendship go for a toss. It was very painful and nobody should face this. Leaving the city was the only way for me to come out of it. I just wanted to chill and take my mind off it. I think forgiveness is the key to move on in life.
Would you stay back this time around or go back to the UK?
Shashilal: Obviously, I want to go back. I had to convince myself to come to Mumbai. I get lured by the city due to its madness and movies.
Tajdar: I kidnapped him from the UK and got him here. I have kept his passport with me so that he doesn't run away (laughs).
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