We have not distorted history with 'Takht': Karan Johar

The film is based on Shah Jahan's rule of the Mughal era

Stepping out of his comfort zone, Bollywood film-maker Karan Johar is gearing up for his upcoming directorial venture, a multi-starrer period drama Takht.

Talking about his upcoming project, the ace director said its story is based on a true historical account. Takht is based on Shah Jahan's Mughal era. Johar vows that it (history) will be treated with dignity in the film.

Sharing an insight into the story, Karan told the media in a recent event, “The film is based on a true historical events that transpired. It is embedded in history and that is why it is important to tell the way it was.”

PHOTO: INSTAGRAM/KARAN JOHAR

However, another periodic drama, Padmaavat, irked many right-wing Hindu extremists, should Johar be worried about making another film of the same genre?

To this, the Kuch Kuch Hota Hai director commented, "It is not my interpretation of history but what happened then. The story is based on the Mughal empire and what people know. Every writer and director has their interpretation of history, but in this case, we are not creating anything. It is based on the historical facts and we are doing it with a lot of dignity.”

The film features an interesting cast including Ranveer Singh, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal, Bhumi Pednekar, Janhvi Kapoor and Anil Kapoor.



Asked if it was tough for him to choose actors for the project, he said, “Partially yes, but eventually I am happy with the cast that I have. I think this is one film that I am directing where I took some time to reach the cast.”

When asked if he feels any pressure to be compared to Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who specialises in the said genre and has directed a handful of them, the 46-year-old director shared, “Well, nothing ventured, nothing gained. And eventually, you have to go out of your comfort zone to create something special. I think Bhansali has achieved some of the most beautiful pieces of cinema, his work is of a beautiful canvas. I am an admirer of his work as a fraternity member. But my film cannot be compared to what I have done or anybody else has done."

PHOTO: POONAM DAMANIA/INSTAGRAM

The Ae Dil Hai Mushkil film-maker also thinks that constructive criticism is the way to master your art.

“I think it is important to be surrounded by the right kind of people who will tell you when you are going wrong. I do not hang out with ‘yes’ people but people who are critical about my work. Without that, one cannot keep at it. In my office, we have a rule that we share each other’s opinion on film, script and any piece of work on personal email. I think that really helps to improve work," Johar said.

“I do not take myself so seriously and I think one of the best ways to stay relevant is to talk to the young generation. Their thoughts and their ideology should be heard and that helps me to stay updated and relevant to the present time," he further added.

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