‘I have no interest in anyone’s career except mine’

Is your forthcoming film, Sarkar Raj, a sequel to Sarkar? Both have the same protagonist.
Sarkar Raj doesn’t take off from where Sarkar ended, nor is it based on the Enron crisis or the Narmada Bachao Andolan as rumoured. A charismatic leader such as Subhash Nagre (Amitabh Bachchan’s character), responsible for so many lives, keeps getting into complex situations. In Sarkar Raj, you have a new set of situations. I would call it the further adventures of the Sarkar family.

Are more adventures on the anvil?
Sarkar 3 won’t happen because of certain incidents in Sarkar Raj.

You have called Abhishek Bachchan a better actor than Amitabh. Why?
Amitabh Bachchan came up the hard way. His journey from actor to star to superstar has included experiences that have enriched him as a person. These are reflected in his performances. Abhishek grew up as the son of a superstar. His connection with the common man was thus far lesser than that of his father. Yet he’s able to grasp a character’s emotional intensity with as much sensitivity and that calls for greater credit. That prompted me to call him a better actor.

What prompted your apology to Amitabh Bachchan at Sarkar Raj’s trailer launch?
Many people don’t know that Mr Bachchan thought Aag was a wrong step and told me not to re-make Sholay. But I pressured him to be a part of it. Just because he couldn’t say ‘no’, he reluctantly agreed and did everything the way I asked him to. His dignity prevented him from publicly mentioning that he never wanted to do the film. He was protecting me. So a public apology was due.

You seem to have finally warmed up to Karan Johar...