Mindblowing chemistry between Salman and Sush

He was the man behind the hilarious television serial Karamchand, starring Pankaj Kapur.

His foray into film direction, Himalayaputra, the debut vehicle of Akshaye Khanna, bombed at the box office.

He is back, after three years, with Tumko Na Bhool Payenge, with Salman Khan, Diya Mirza and Sushmita Sen in the lead roles. The film releases Friday, February 22.

Bharati Dubey catches up with Pankaj Parashar to find out the reason for his hiatus and his hopes for his new film:

Where did you disappear to for three years?

Nowhere. I've been right here. Cinema is not just about making feature films, you know --- it's not a nine-to-fiive job.

Besides, I should want to make a film. Just because I didn't make one for so long doesn't mean that I have no films on hand --- I have been getting plenty of offers.

How did Tumko Na Bhool Payenge happen?

Salman called me. He told me he had a fantastic script; only I would be able to make it. I read the script and realised why he wanted me to direct the film --- the script required immense cinematic attention.

Incidentally, this is the fastest Salman has worked --- the film was completed in four months.

Tell us a little bit about your film.

The slogan of Tumko Na Bhool Payenge says, 'Expect the unexpected'.

I don't want to reveal the story of the film. But I will tell you that it is a fast-paced thriller. There is no way you can predict what will happen next. I can also vouch for the fact that it will keep the audience involved till the end.

You will love Salman Khan in it --- you will get carried away with him on his trip.

I have used certain techniques to make the acting look real. It's been a lesson for me --- this is the first time I have experimented with this genre.

How was it working with Salman Khan?

Initially, he was quite wary of me. He was told that I would not be able to complete the film.

I found Salman the opposite of what I was told about him. He would go out of his way to do things a star would never do. He would fly my children and wife down to Jodhpur every weekend. He would put the kids to sleep, come back and reherase his scenes. He would even attend the dubbings of other artistes.

It is learnt that Salman has lost all interest in acting?

Who said so? Salman would cycle from Bandstand [Bandra, Mumbai] to Kamalistan Studios at 6.45 am. He would make sure his first shot was taken by 7.30 am.

There were times when I have narrated the next day's scene to him. He would go back to his place, write down the scene and call me again to discuss it. I could show you pages and pages of his writing. That is the kind of dedication he has towards his work.

Diya has not seen much success in her career. Yet you chose her?

It all depends on want you want to do with her. She has the looks, photographs well and has the confidence. She came into the film without knowing a thing about the project. All we told her was, 'You are doing the film; the shooting will start in a week's time.'

What would you tell us about Sushmita Sen's performance?

The chemistry between Salman and Sushmita is mindblowing. Despite all their barbs and leg-pulling on the sets, it was all in good humour. The two of them are brilliant in the film.

One thing I like about Sushmita is that she makes it very clear to you, right from day one, what she would do and what she would not do in the film.

Not much is known about Inder Kumar's role in the film...

Yes. You might feel at times that he is a negative character. He plays Salman's friend in the film. He has worked on his physique and looks very good. He will be the surprise package of the film.