Fact Over Fiction

But it was film editor Manish More, who encouraged him to write for Punjabi films. Rattan met filmmaker Navaniat Singh and Jimmy Sheirgill and the three hit off instantly, delivering hits such as Mel Karade Rabba, Jihne Mera Dil Luteya and Dharti. With each film Rattan explored human relationships, and added layers and characters. "Frank Capra, Billy Wilder and Woody Allen — these are my reference points as I love to bring comedy in tragedy," said Rattan. His biggest hit, Jatt & Juliet, is a testimony to Rattan's grasp on his subject of love and relationships. The simple Punjabi boy whose first job was in a showroom at Rs 1,200 a month still remembers the time when he would look at rich Punjabi boys flash their cars and mobiles. Therefore, his lead characters have a bit of a personal touch.

"All filmmakers bring that. Javed Akhtar brought his pain, poverty and anger, while Mahesh Bhatt incorporated his outlook towards relationships. In Jatt & Juliet, Fateh is like me — somebody with NRI dreams who wants to go to Canada, marry and make it big," said Rattan.

Rattan adds that he also gives equal importance to the leading ladies, and Neeru Bajwa as Pinky in Jatt & Juliet proved that. Saadi Love Story, too, has the women take charge. Interestingly, his wife, Manila Rattan joins him as a screenplay writer on the film. On being quizzed about his decision to direct it too, Rattan said he just had to, and it was a challenge. For him, stories are "all over", waiting to be told. "It took me 14 days to write Jatt & Juliet," said Rattan, who is looking forward to his films (as scriptwriter) and the line-up includes Rangeelay, Jatt & Juliet 2 and Singh Versus Kaur. "Cinema is an improvement on life, and I love life," said Rattan.

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