A Night of Awards and Banter: SRK and Mani Ratnam Steal the Show
Amidst the glitz and glamour of the CNN News18 award ceremony held in Delhi, the audience was treated to not just a night of accolades but also a delightful banter between two icons of Indian cinema. The renowned filmmaker Mani Ratnam and Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan reminisced about their past collaboration and exchanged playful promises about their potential future work together.
Long-Awaited Reunion Teased
The duo, whose last joint venture was the critically acclaimed 1998 film ‘Dil Se…’, found themselves sharing the stage yet again. Throughout the evening, the question on everyone’s lips was when these two would reunite for another cinematic masterpiece. Shah Rukh Khan, after being honored with the Indian of The Year award, didn’t shy away from addressing this curiosity. Turning jest into earnest, he openly begged Mani Ratnam for another chance to work under his directorial vision. “Mani sir, what now?” Shah Rukh Khan expressed eagerly. “It’s all come out in the open now. I’m requesting you – I’m begging you – I’m telling you every time! Do a film with me, I swear, I will dance on top of a plane on Chhaiya Chhaiya, if you’d tell me.”
The reference to the iconic song ‘Chaiyya Chaiyya’ from ‘Dil Se…’, which continues to be a staple at parties and weddings, drew a warm response from those gathered. The original track featured Shah Rukh Khan and Malaika Arora dancing atop a train, and its recreation on a plane seemed a tantalizing prospect to fans.
Ratnam’s Humorous Condition for Collaboration
Responding to the playful overture, Mani Ratnam, seated among the audience and basking in the success of being awarded Indian Of The Year 2023 in Entertainment, set a humorous condition: he would do a film with Shah Rukh Khan when the actor buys a plane. Quick to the banter, Shah Rukh Khan retorted, “Mani, the way my films are going…this plane is not far away. I’m coming!”
As the event drew to a close, Shah Rukh Khan continued the joke, implying a deal had been struck. “Thank you, Mani Sir, for the film! March, I’ll be there, sir. Morning shift, 2 pm,” he quipped, leaving the audience amused and hopeful.
The Collaborative Spirit of Cinema
Beyond jests and promises of future works, Mani Ratnam shared his insights about the filmmaking process, particularly when it comes to directing actors with formidable talent and experience. Speaking on the much-anticipated reunion with Kamal Haasan, he stated, “I can’t say what took me so long. It is tough when you have an actor of that capability, who has done several things. So unless you have some solid things, do not go to him just because you have done it before. Hopefully, we would be able to bring some kind of a character back on screen.”
The esteemed filmmaker also debunked the myth about the ego issues of big stars, indicating that their reputation for high-maintenance is often misplaced. “I don’t think big stars have real egos when they are on a project. Really, it has never been difficult to work with the stars. If you are clear and know what you want, they are too happy to have somebody make the decisions. They trust you, you trust them. It becomes a mutual thing. You make it together.” Mani Ratnam elaborated on his casting choices, pointing out that sometimes a fresh face is what a script demands and not necessarily a deliberate attempt to introduce new talent.
Conclusion
The exchange between Shah Rukh Khan and Mani Ratnam was a highlight of the CNN News18 award ceremony, leaving film enthusiasts excited at the prospect of another collaboration between the two. Their mutual respect and admiration, coupled with their willingness to entertain and engage, made for a memorable night. With fans eagerly awaiting the fulfillment of this light-hearted pact, the evening served as a reminder of the joy and camaraderie that lies at the heart of the Indian film industry.
