Aamir Khan’s brother Faissal, is turning director with his comeback film ‘Faactory’. He plays an edgy lover in this thriller but he wasn’t the film’s director from the onset. Speaking to ETimes, Faissal recalls how his tryst with direction came about. He also speaks about his relationship with Aamir and his place in the Hussain family. Excerpts from a candid conversation…
‘Faactory’ is your comeback film as an actor, but it also marks your debut as a director. Why did you choose to direct this film?
The movie was being directed by Shariq Minhaz. I have done many small films in my career, especially after ‘Mela’ and ‘Madhosh’ flopped. I was working hard, but they were either not made in the right way, or were not released in the right way. All my efforts became zero on these films and here Shariq was not able to give time to the project, so I said to myself, ‘I hope this project does not go that way, too’. I am growing old, so, I put my foot down and told the producers about what I felt. They said why don’t you direct it?
You took up the offer.
I spoke to Shariq Bhai and told him, ‘Since you are not able to give time, things could get difficult. I have a strong belief in this project and I am ready to put my heart and soul into it.’ I was totally involved in the project, so I took over the reins as director. I have learnt a lot since the time I joined the film industry as an assistant. Those experiences gave me the courage aur main director bann gaya (I became the director).
What was it about ‘Faactory’, that convinced you that it could be your comeback film?
It’s a romantic thriller with ample amount of action. The movie has a lot of twists that will keep audiences engaged. It is a tough genre, but things worked out for me because of good cooperation from the team. We did a lot of workshops and I had a good technical team, which is why we could shoot the film well.
Your brother Aamir Khan is known to be a marketing genius. Do you share his astute acumen, too?
Aamir is the most famous person in our family but after this film releases people will know Faissal Khan as an individual, actor, director and singer.
Going forward, are you going to act or direct?
I will direct and act in my films. I know what I want and I have proved myself with this film. I have made it the way I wanted to. If others don’t see the potential in you then you have to prove yourself.
Now that you’ve turned director, have you thought about remaking any of your father Tahir Hussain or uncle Nasir Hussain’s films?
I don’t want to remake any of their films. I will make my own movies. Why should I remake any other film that has already been a hit and has been watched by the audience. One should make something new and if you are really creative then create something of your own. That is what I want to do.
Have you ever felt that you’re living in the shadow of your famous brother?
I have never bothered about all this. When a person isn’t aware of himself, that’s when they get worried about such things. I know what I am and what I can do. I know my capabilities. Kuchh toh log kahenge logo ka kaam hain kehna… (People will talk because that’s what people do).
You worked as a script doctor with Aamir Khan Productions for three years. Did that experience help you during the making of this film?
You know filmmaking is not just about scripts and script doctors. Working at Aamir Khan Productions or doing theatre with Makarand Deshpande doesn’t work for a filmmaker. You have to know your craft and I built that base at the beginning of my career as an assistant director. I have been around film sets right from my childhood so the foundation was always there. It was just about taking that first step.
What’s the status between you and Aamir Khan?
Everything is okay between us. As an individual I take my own decisions. I am not a director who doesn’t know what he has made. I have given my best and my producers have helped me with it. God’s and the audience’s verdict remains to be seen.
Has Aamir Khan watched your film? What was his reaction?
Both my mom and Aamir have watched the film. My mother loved it. It was my mother’s dream that I should turn director, which has been fulfilled with this film. Aamir found the film very engaging and said it is very good for a first time director. He said to me ‘You have sung the song very well. You’re better than me.’ I replied, ‘What can I do?’
How did the tryst with singing begin?
After my first flop ‘Madhosh’, I took lessons in classical singing. I can sing better than many actors so why not…
Do you have any plans of getting married again?
Unfortunately, I have not made enough money to afford a wife and I don’t have any girlfriend, because having one is also an expensive affair. A wife is even more expensive. Picture hit ho toh ladki dhoodna shuru karu (I’ll look for a girl once my film is declared a hit).
Aamir and his now ex-wife Kiran Rao were criticized by some quarters over how their divorce announcement seemed a little too casual. Do you feel these people were being unfair to them?
I cannot give them any advice. My marriage didn’t work out, so I am no one to comment on anyone’s personal life. They know what is best for them.
