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After working with Firoz Nadiadwala on the sequel to Awaara Paagal Deewana, Vikram Bhatt has decided to steer clear of lightweight films.
Says Vikram, "After Deewane Huey Pagal (starring Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Shahid Kapoor, Rimi Sen and Paresh Rawal), no more such films for me. I'll only do the films that I believe in."
The director is set to move into a new sphere in his career, and make hard-hitting films, the first being Aakhir.
"Aakhir stars Sanjay Suri and Bengali actress Rituparna Sengupta," he says. "It's very close to my heart and the most realistic work I've ever done. I can't tell you how much I'm enjoying rediscovering my roots after doing a series of escapist fantasy adventures."
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The failure of his recent films has made Bhatt wiser about the changing face of the movie-going audience.
"I am making another realistic film which Prakash Jha will produce. It will be about how the young, urban hip crowds go wrong in their lives. The woman-centric film requires the presence of a 30-ish teacher," he says.
Someone like ex-flame Sushmita Sen?
"No," he answers. "This isn't a film about a sexy teacher in a chiffon sari. I've put my days of fantasy behind me and make authentic realistic films. My third hard-hitting project will be about the lives of four juvenile delinquents in a Mumbai ghetto. If I make this film, it will take me back to my father (cinematographer Pravin Bhatt)'s early days."
On the personal front, Vikram is at peace with his soul mate Amisha Patel. She recently referred to him as the hottest male around. Vikram laughs. "She's just being sweet and generous. With my grey hair and workaholic attitude, I can't imagine being hot by any standard."
