Page 58 - October 2018 converted

aayuSh Sharma on loveyaTri

conTroverSy: There waS unneceSSary

converSaTion and objecTion happening over iT
ayush Sharma says his debut film Loveyatri is a celebration of love He recalled, “Lot of things were said like new actor, new actress and a new
and culture and it was painful to do away with the original title as the director, he is a brother-in-law (of Salman), is he capable of doing something
Amakers did not want to court any controversy. like this? We had the energy, the drive to make a film that people would
In an interview, Aayush opened up about the title row to how he landed in know us for.”
Bollywood as an actor, courtesy Khan brothers – Salman, Arbaaz and Sohail. The actor, who came to Mumbai to pursue studies, never imagined that he
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) was irked by the title “Loveratri”, which would face the camera one day. Aayush is the son of Delhi-based politician,
according to them was distorting the meaning of Hindu festival, Navratri. Anil Sharma.
Later, a Bihar court had ordered an FIR to be lodged against Salman, saying “I was clear I did not want to do a 9am to 5pm job. I wanted to stay away from
the title hurts religious sentiments and promotes vulgarity. politics. As a viewer, I would look at the films and say, ‘Wow, what a beautiful
For Aayush, it was disheartening that the title was changed as he had lived world’. There were people who told me I should take up acting, do TV serials
with it for the longest time. and ads. But I never gave it a serious thought.”
“Our intention was very clear. We wanted a film that connects with most But he believes God already had plans for him as he happened to meet
people. There was unnecessary conversation and objection happening over Arpita, his wife now. When the two became friends, she introduced him to
it.” her brothers.
The actor said it was difficult for him to understand the reason behind the “… They told me I should be an actor, I was like ‘Okay, let me step into this
controversy as the film has not been watched by anybody yet. world’. I was told there will be lot of pressure and I had to be prepared for
He added production banner Salman Khan Films has always believed in it. My training began at their residence, which we call ‘Galaxy Institute of
making family entertainers. Performing Arts’. Some successful and miserable graduates have emerged
“The film will not hurt anyone’s sentiments. There is not one double meaning from there,” he added.
dialogue in the film, it only talks about culture. Something or some elements When Aayush worked as an assistant director on films Bajrangi Bhaijaan,
had a problem. I don’t want to win the box office with a controversy. Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, Sultan and Tubelight that is when he realised that
“I don’t think getting controversy or adding tension would have worked in my filmmaking was a taxing process.
favour. I am not publicity hungry. I have enough publicity through the film. I “My perception towards films changed. So while I was assisting for films I
don’t need unnecessary attention and I don’t want anybody else to get the felt I should act… So, I started listening to scripts, I was not getting the right
attention, so if you have a problem, we will change it (title). So, we gave up blend between a commercial film and a plot. When I heard Loveyatri, I loved
on the title and it is ok.” it. It had everything from comedy to emotion and a sweet love story,” he
Aayush, 27, has been busy promoting the film in different cities and he says added.
he is enjoying meeting new people and interacting with them. In Loveyatri, Aayush plays the role of Sushrut, a garba teacher. The film,
“The kind of love we are getting I feel lucky as a debutante. When I used which also marks debut of model Warina Hussain, is set to release on
to go for promotions and I used to wonder do people even know who I am? October 5.
Slowly it started as a lukewarm welcome, to good, to an amazing welcome,”
he added

For, Aayush, it has been a memorable journey since the time the film was
announced.

58 |DALLAS | OCTOBER 2018 | VOL 157 www.thebmagazine.com