Vashu Bhagnani is back in the film arena

After a 4-year gap, Vashu Bhagnani is back in the film arena with son Jackky's debut film Kal Kissne Dekha. Not many are aware that Vashu had signed Vivek Sharma much before Vivek directed Bhoothnath. "I wanted to entrust the responsibility of Jackky's debt film to someone who was talented and I could see the spark in Vivek when I interacted with him several years ago," Vashu tells me.

Vashu had also approached Gautam Menon [Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein] and even Ken Ghosh, but things didn't work out. "Vivek called one evening, he had hit upon a story-idea for Jackky's launch. That's how Kal Kissne Dekha took off," he recalls.

Having worked with seasoned actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Anil Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt, Govinda and several others, how was it working with two newcomers [Jackky, Vaishali] this time? "Honestly, I was skeptical as far as the economics was concerned. But, as a father, I was supremely optimistic. Jackky showed tremendous discipline in his work. Also, he doesn't look like a first-timer at all," Vashu says proudly.

Rumours are rife about Shahrukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan featuring in cameos in the film, but Vashu denies it. "It's not true. Vivek did suggest that we include them in the film. But we haven't shot with them yet. If we do manage to shoot with them later, we will proudly announce it to the world. But, right now, they aren't part of Kal Kissne Dekha," Vashu clarifies.

Though the film's release has been postponed till a settlement is reached between the warring factions [producers/distributors versus multiplexes], the promotion of the film has begun on TV. "I have given in writing that I would stand by my brethren. I wouldn't release the film till the strike is called off. But I need to promote the songs since the music launch had already taken place before the industry went on strike. Yet, on their request, I have cut down on nearly 95% of the promotions."