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, writer-director Anees Bazmee looks back at the film with immense gratitude, while admitting that if he were to write 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-standing association with Akshay Kumar, and why he believes memorable cinema is always a result of perfect teamwork.
Anees Bazmee reveals he wrote Mujhse Shaadi Karoge for himself
Reflecting on the success of the Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra starrer, Bazmee says its popularity is the result of several creative elements coming together seamlessly. Anees reflects, “I believe any film that continues to be loved over the years succeeds because many things fall into place at the right time. A strong script, effective direction, performances, music, picturisation—everything contributes. In Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, many of those 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 for myself. I wanted to direct the film. But David Dhawan and Sajid Nadiadwala are very close friends. David had earlier directed ‘Deewana Mastana’, which I had written, and after that we hadn’t worked together for a while. When they expressed their desire to make this film, I happily gave them the script because of the friendship and trust we shared,” he divulges. On being asked what if he writes ‘Mujhse Shaadi Karoge’ today, will there be any changes to the film, Bazmee was quick to answer,”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 today, it certainly won’t be the same. Every writer grows with experience.” The writer admitted that while the film remains a fan favourite, he would approach it very differently today.Known for creating unforgettable comic characters, Bazmee said both story and character development go hand in hand. He said, “I always begin with the story, what is going to happen in the film. But equally important is how lovable and entertaining the characters are. In real life too, there are people you remember because you enjoy being around them. Cinema works the same way.” Bazmee believes audiences naturally gravitate towards unique personalities on screen. “Most people in everyday life are quite ordinary. That’s why when audiences see an interesting character in films, they immediately connect with them,” he explains.
Bazmee cites the example of the character Mushtaq Bhai from ‘Welcome’
“He wasn’t even a major character in such a big film, but people still remember him because of his quirky personality and dialogues. That’s the power of well-written characters.” Bazmee says his writing process changes depending on the project. Sometimes he visualises a specific actor while writing, while at other times he adapts the script after casting.”When I was writing ‘Singh Is Kinng’, Akshay Kumar was always in my mind because I had such a wonderful experience working with him in ‘Welcome’. But there are many films where I first write the script and then make changes after an actor comes on board.” According to him, it is the writer’s responsibility to understand every actor’s strengths and limitations.”Every actor has certain qualities where they shine, and there are areas where they may not be as comfortable. A writer should highlight the strengths and avoid exposing the weaknesses. That’s how a character becomes more effective,” the director shares.
How Nana Patekar inspired Uday Shetty and the ‘Uday Control’ moment came into the script
Bazmee also shared how interacting with Nana Patekar helped him reshape the iconic Uday Shetty character in ‘Welcome’. “Nana ji was always in my mind while writing the role. But after meeting him, I realised that instead of making him shout whenever he gets angry, as audiences usually expect, I thought it would be funnier if he controlled himself. That’s how the famous ‘Uday Shetty… control’ moment came into the script.”Anees, however, also says writers cannot become dependent on one actor.”You may dream of a particular actor playing a role, but if that doesn’t happen, you cannot allow one-and-a-half years of writing to go to waste. You have to remain practical,” he reasons.
Bazmee rarely watches his own films
Despite writing several iconic films, Bazmee admits he hardly revisits them after release. “I usually don’t watch my films again. But my family, friends and assistants keep watching them and tell me which scenes they love. The interesting part is that everyone’s favourite film is different. Some love ‘Swarg’, some ‘Shola Aur Shabnam’, some ‘Aankhen’, some ‘Ladla’. Whenever I happen to see them playing at home, I watch a few scenes.”Looking back at ‘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 already worked together and always had fun on sets. David Dhawan and Sajid Nadiadwala were like family to me. Priyanka Chopra was relatively new at the time, and everyone brought wonderful energy to the film.” Go to Source
