Indian filmmaker Farah Khan is also a choreographer. Although she did not study choreography, she picked it up while watching Indian movies.
Today, Khan is an actor, film director, choreographer and producer of Bollywood blockbusters in India and abroad.
She was honored by the Cairo Film Festival this year, which prompted Al-Masry Al-Youm to hold the following interview with her:
Q: Is this your first visit to Cairo?
A: No, I came here twice before. The last time was 15 years ago. But this is the first time that I participate in the Cairo Film Festival. I am happy that this important festival honored me.
Q: Have you participated in other Arab film festivals before?
A: Yes, at the Marrakech Film Festival with my film “Happy New Year”.
Q: Bollywood is competing with Hollywood. How come?
A: The film industry in India has evolved significantly in the last 10 years. I attribute this to the happy element in it, namely the dancing and singing. Indian films are colorful. Also, the industry has developed technically. Add to it that people love to watch the nature in India where films are shot.
Q: How do you see Arab cinema in general and Egyptian cinema in particular?
A: I think that Egyptian cinema is reasonably good. Perhaps you should imitate us in the popular festivals that we hold in remote villages and small towns, where we screen movies for cheap tickets. This helps spread culture.
Q: Sometimes your films are unrealistic, especially in terms of the powers of the hero. Why?
A: I admit that some of our films make no sense, but the audience loves to see the hero super strong and romantic at the same time.
Q: How did you learn to dance?
A: By watching Michael Jackson. He is my mentor. Beyonce is also a good dancer. She looks Indian. I think she would be wonderful in a Bollywood film.
Q: What is your advice to Arab women?
A: Do what you want. Do not let anything stop you. Marry the man of your dreams. Do not depend on anyone except your husband, your father and your brother. Unlike men, women can do more than one thing at the same time.
Q: How are stars made in the Indian film industry?
A: In the old days, actors had to make it to stardom in Bollywood. Now, they must have first starred in Hollywood movies.
Q: Why?
A: Because it takes a young actor six or seven years to become famous. Also, he must know how to dance. But if he comes from Hollywood, he is already famous.
Q: Has dubbing helped Indian TV series succeed in the Arab world?
A: I do not know about TV. I am into cinema.
Q: Would you shoot a film in Cairo?
A: I would love to. I believe joint productions between India and Egypt would be a success.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
