Aamir’s betrayal hurt me a lot: Amol Gupte

April 8th, 2008Related|Filed Under

By Subhash K Jha

The Man Behind Taare Zameen Par Amole Gupte speaks up.

Right away, how much of Taare Zameen Par (TZP) is actually yours?
(ponders) Does it really matter? It’s paid back in multiples. Whatever happened, let’s drown it in the Ganga and move on. Aamir has been on the shoot with me for 109 days and Aamir has acknowledged I was there throughout. Now let’s leave it behind.

The project was with you for many years?
I’ve been involved with children’s projects for many many years. In fact I used to have a kids’ show on Sony called Bindaas Bol which addressed itself to the parent-child relationship, peer pressure and related issues.

I’ve since then became a surrogate-parent to children everywhere. I’m like a one-man Suvidha (children’s shelter). TZP was an extension of an ongoing affinity to children’s issues.

I share a lifelong affinity to juvenile problems. Imagine a Standard 6 girl carrying a 6 kg schoolbag! What does it do to her tender back?

You seem to be enormously passionate about the subject?
I am. In my time repeating a year in the same class did nothing to a child’s self-esteem. Imagine what it does to the average child’s morale today! He or she is branded as a loser for life.

I’m very concerned about the difficulties of the special child. And in TZP I haven’t brought in the psychiatrist or counselor. Nor have I taken the troubled child to a special school. My contention is, if a child cannot understand the alphabet why do we punish him?

What about the child in a tribal area who learns to climb trees instead of the ABC? If it’s okay for the tribal chikd to learn tree-climbing instead of geometry why is it wrong for a city child to take interest in painting?

Our education system is too specific and performance- oriented. I wanted to look at the students’ problems within the gurukul’s parameters.

Did you anticipate such an overwhelming response to TZP?
Actually this was just a part of the ongoing children’s projects that my wife Deepa Bhatia and I share.

For us Project Child is a journey. TZP was an important part of that project. We waited two years for Aamir to just listen to our script. I knew Aamir from our college and theatre days.

After that he shot a short-film with me in the lead.So did Aamir’s cousin Mansoor. So I’ve been associated with his family for many decades.

I didn’t know you were an actor!
But I wasn’t the Khan family’s favourite actor for sure. Otherwise I’d have done Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak. Jokes aside, I didn’t have the courage to ask Aamir to be cast in my film. I wasn’t that ambitious.

I asked him to help me talk to Akshaye Khanna because I had seen Akhaye portray a sensitive painter in Dil Chahta Hai. But when Aamir heard my script was about children he said he wanted to hear the narration. That took a long time.

Even I got busy playing father to my son who was born in 2001. I put him in school and tried to be as much part of his schooling as possible.

Finally in September 2004 he heard TZP. He waited. The very next week he proposed to produce the film. Then again there was a delay as Aamir got busy with Mangal Pandey and his personal life.

So what exactly went wrong between you and Aamir?
I’m trying to put it behind me…Let me just say, right from choosing all the kids for the parts to the final editing I was right there on-board…I wanted to preserve the kids’ natural innocence. So I never auditioned them.

I used to engage them in discussions and workshops with the camera held out of their vision by an assistant. I spoke to them about the problems and pressures of the children in the script.

Where did your creative inputs in TZP end?
They ended when Aamir, his wife, my wife and I saw the film’s first edit. It’s misreported that I didn’t like the edited version of TZP.

There was no question of not liking the edited version because my wife Deepa was editing the material in Panchgani as we were shooting.We were all very proud of the film. Then we had a wrap-up party.

And that’s when Aamir announced he was the director of the film. That’s when I got to know of his intentions.

Has this betrayal made you stronger and wiser?
It has made me question myself. Where did I go wrong? Had I not been there throughout the shooting for every take including Aamir’s wonderful performance, I’d have understood that I’ve gone wrong somewhere. But I’ve enacted lines for all the actors in TZP. It hurt a lot. But I didn’t want a confontation.

How different is the final film from what you shot?
What I shot and what you saw aren’t different at all. My narration is the same as the married print. Of course Aamir was there with me throughout.

And he didn’t shoot anything on his own?
Yes, he re-shot the first six days’ material. I didn’t participate in that because I stood by the rushes of my first six days’ shooting. However what he shoot wasn’t radically different from my style.

I’m really surprised to hear this.
Oh I’ve several other surprises in store. But why should I surprise you so much all at once?

The standard inference is that the project was taken over from you?
I don’t understand this business of taking over. When I was around how could the project be taken over? What would any competent director be doing for 109 shooting days. It makes no sense at all.

Have you been able too keep in touch with the kids?
You know, everyone sides with the establishment. They’ve been compelled to choose sides. I don’t want them to think they’re morally bound to connect with me.

There Are 28 Responses So Far. »

Comment by Tiger on 8 April 2008:

“There was no question of not liking the edited version because my wife Deepa was editing the material in Panchgani as we were shooting.We were all very proud of the film. Then we had a wrap-up party.

And that’s when Aamir announced he was the director of the film. That’s when I got to know of his intentions.”

I have said this umpteen times that Aamir did not direct TZP. Now the truth is gradually coming to light.The guy is a big con-man!
Comment by Qalandar on 8 April 2008:

This interview seems to contradict Gupte’s own past interviews on this point.
Comment by Simply Som on 8 April 2008:

“This interview seems to contradict Gupte’s own past interviews on this point.”

Exactly Qalandar!! if Amol is right and indeed speaking the truth,it does not show Aamir in a good light.
Comment by N I T E S H on 8 April 2008:

shocker of an interview…

brilliantly and sensitively asked questions by Mr Jha.
Comment by rks on 8 April 2008:

With the success comes the jealousy. I would give more credence to Amol’s story had it been out before release of the film. What happened was between two people, and we the jury are still deliberating
Comment by jayshah on 8 April 2008:

‘It’s misreported that I didn’t like the edited version of TZP.’

Not sure if its been reported anywhere. I thought it was Aamir who disliked the initial reels.

‘And that’s when Aamir announced he was the director of the film. That’s when I got to know of his intentions.’

The story usually has been they sat down and discussed whom should direct it and Amol said Aamir should. I think that is the story Aamir has suggested. Not sure if Amol said it to in previous interviews. Plus didn’t want to have a new director since they would lose the kid.

Either way this is a my word against his word debate. No doubt Gupte has been treated badly in some shape or form. But also Aamir is a producer too. And if he offered the script back to Amol (as Aamir has suggested) then Amol maybe should have taken it back. Problem with this debate is if you take Aamir’s word then he’s done the right thing from producer perspective (even if harsh), taking Amol’s word really does make Aamir sound like an arse and somewhat riding on the back of (partially at least) someone’s else’s achievement. The most important point though is the movie turned out well - if it turned out bad, Amol’s grievance would probably be differently set.
Comment by jayshah on 8 April 2008:

Basically - if the movie was a dud, Amol might be complaining that this is not how the movie was meant to be according to him, cos who in their right mind would try and take credit for a bad movie?
Comment by N I T E S H on 8 April 2008:

I will wait for Aamir’s next directorial debut.

things have always looked fishy but in film industries these tactics of stealing is called borrowing and is a norm.

Amol could no way have confronted aamir before the film’s release. otherwise whatever little credit he got, that too would have got shut.

aamir…make and (this time) direct another movie. I will not complain and am sure everyone will love to see your next.
Comment by rahmaniac on 8 April 2008:

Nitesh:

Personally, I would like to see Amole’s next to be honest - to see if he can actually walk the talk !!! This is getting ridiculous … I think Amole needs to stuff it and get working on his next … he himself has had at least 10 different things to say on how he got shafted in the last 3 months ….!!!
Comment by rahmaniac on 8 April 2008:

Nitesh:

I think it would be fair to say that there are 3 films in which the Aamir brand of film making can be seen - Hum Hain Rahi Pyaar Ke, Lagaan and TZP .. it is pretty apparent that there is a consistency in these films from the making perspective …
Comment by rks on 8 April 2008:

“aamir…make and (this time) direct another movie. I will not complain and am sure everyone will love to see your next.”

That is true but HHRPK….

Same holds true for Amol also.

Amol could have played havoc before the release. He just needed to file a suit and media would have been all over Aamir. But knowing Aamir’s way, he must have gotten signed declation before the start of movie to take care of these things.
Comment by N I T E S H on 8 April 2008:

rahmanaic,

I do not know either amole or aamir.

but i have seen both of them talking.

amole has def more sincerity and honesty in his voice. he looks straight on your face.

aamir is sincere too, but off late he has taken a few cue from other superstars and have started looking a bit manipulative and chaloo types. even his blogs sound a little ‘main sabse sahi hoon’ thinking. i somehow find him a cunning man who also wants to sound intellectual which to some extent he is but not to the extent he wants to be. (def better than other superstars though). His whole narmada episode before fanaah and kids khelao scene before his releases and never seen now, makes him look like another publicity star in my eyes.
Comment by mahaloser on 8 April 2008:

My first reactions after watching TZP were:
–
I am torn. I like Aamir khan and wanted to absolutely love this movie.

Movie was good and is definitely worth a watch ..but cannot be given 5 out of 5 stars. 3.5 to 4 ..at best.

The positives.. uniqueness of the script, the kid’s mind-blowing performance. Tischa chopra was very good

The negatives .. weak direction (great effort by a first time director..but overall could have been much much better), movie could have been shorter and tighter ..and somewhat less preachy. It was also not Aamir’s best acting job. Also, casting of the father was bad.. that guy is a bad actor.

I think Aamir should have either directed or acted in this movie. The looseness in some scenes, direction and somewhat Aamir’s own acting (I felt a polished director would have limited Aamir’s going overboard in many scenes)..indicates to me that he had too much in his hands. Further, this is a very very sensitive and delicate subject matter to get right.. and the length, the preachiness, the repetitiveness .. while did not diminish the message of the movie but could have made it more impactful.

Hats off to Aamir for trying something daring and different. The movie is good ..but I think it could have been great!
–

Now per this interview if Amol “directed” it while Aamir claimed credit for it.. I am even more disheartened.
The material for this movie should have gotten Oscar-worthy treatment..but it did not. IMO, despite its success, it was a lost opportunity because it could have achieved so much more .. and that makes me sad!!
Comment by amitk79 on 8 April 2008:

http://www.naachgaana.com/2008/02/11/exclusive-%e2%80%98i-will-say-aamir-did-me-no-favour%e2%80%99/

Here Amole doesnt complain that he was directing?? And he says if he had his way he could have made movie differently..now what does that mean with the interview he has given..he sounds like a loser who cant stop complaining..and y the hell he is saying all this now..if he has really directed the movie say it..the enitire cast was there..even Tisca said the only guy who she knew was directing was Aamir..anyways..the guy is really sad IMO..
Comment by amitk79 on 8 April 2008:

And the fact that Aamir was directing was all over the media for almost a year..may be more I think..what the hell this guy was doing until then?? Aamir seems to have too many losers in his life..1st his bro and now Amol..btw hv u guys seens Faisal’s interview on youtube?? He is making a movie and his comments will make you laugh..
Comment by amitk79 on 8 April 2008:

Actually Amol sounds like a woman to me sometimes..lol
Comment by NyKavi on 8 April 2008:

Amol needs to grow up. The other day in the filmfare awards, he was happily applauding the awards going to TZP, and it seemed that he had resigned himself to his fate. But after a few days he comes out with this type of interview.
Maybe he just doesnt want the controversy to die so that he can stay in the news until his next release. After all, who is going to remember Amol Gupte??
I am not saying that seeking publicity is bad. There is nothing hypocritical about that, it is part and parcel of movie-making. Agar chat pe chad ke chilaoge nahi ki meri film release ho rahi hai, to picture dekhne kaun aayega??
Whether it is SRK or Aamir, all seek publicity at critical junctures (ie pre-release). Aamir is not a conman or hypocrite for ensuring that his production becomes succesful through timely and thoughtful publicity. At least he was going to children shows to promote TZP, and not to cricket matches.
Comment by rockstar on 8 April 2008:

well he is a lier or controversy monger monger whatever u call but there are some fact , amol gupte was a painter and a dylexic his wife runs home for mentally disabled children , doesn’t that remind u of something , ya he is not a big name and have money to make films and thats why he went to others to produce a movie for him
Comment by rockstar on 8 April 2008:

and neither is he powerful man who has a strong voice , some facts when u watch tzp u can clearly see movie was well researched , for a fact amol gupte took 7 year for this script and very few know he was used to be aamir’s senior in his colleges
Comment by rockstar on 8 April 2008:

though one must say as a producer u need to make money, if amol would have made tzp it would have been an art movie (with its first choice akshay khanna i have been told), then it would have been an art movie well aamir did added commercial element and made it as earner
Comment by rockstar on 8 April 2008:

though one must say as a producer u need to make money, if amol would have made tzp it would have been an art movie (with its first choice akshay khanna i have been told), well aamir did added commercial element and made it as earner
Comment by jeegs on 8 April 2008:

but Amol was making TZP with Aamir when Aamir took the directorial reigns for what reasons only they know .
Comment by sandy on 8 April 2008:

Amole’s acting real cranky here. He did throw a tantrum when he saw the first edit directed by Aamir -after the latter took over.
I can guarantee that had the film flopped Amole would have said that it fared badly only because Aamir changed his script.
I know for a fact that Aamir took over the directorial reins of TZP very early on and Amole really was only be lurking around the sets. He has himself given this interview before the release of the film where he says that he was merely ‘guarding’ TZP as ‘creative director’

http://www.mumbaimirror.com/net/mmpaper.aspx?page=article&sectid=30&contentid=2007121420071214032915812f397a0b3

I myself did an interview with Amole Gupte where he opened up about his relationship with Aamir for the first time but not once he tell me that the film was NOT directed by Aamir.

The above seems like a desperate scream for some attention.
Comment by sandy on 8 April 2008:

Having said that, I’m sure Aamir has been unfair to Amole in one way or the other. Considering that the script was Amole’s maybe Aamir should have taken joint credit with him. Because all said and done, Amole had lived with this script for years now and was entirely responsible for the casting decisions etc.

But Amole saying that Aamir did not direct the film at all is a lie!
Comment by amitk79 on 9 April 2008:

Good Job Sandy in hunting down that interview..even I knew I had read in Amole’s interview where he was just playing a helping hand..the guy is just a cry baby..but I dont think he was hard done by..even though he was involved in pre-production I just get the feeling he is trying take as much credit as he can for the movie. If the movie wouldnt have worked he would have really had a go at Aamir and would have said he did it all.
Comment by Charles on 9 April 2008:

I never thought much of TZP anyway. I’m surprised by the prized bouquets it got, both here and in Indian media. Except for Darsheel’s and Tisca’s, all other characters were over-the-top cartoonish for such an issue-based serious film.

One wouldn’t know what this Amol-Aamir saga is on about. But, one thing stands - it was a readymade script-screenplay for Aamir who just decided to direct it one fine day! I wish he would acknowledge Amol as the creator-conceiver-co-director of the film.

But then again, there have been many Amols who have been tread upon by stars.

That’s why I’ll always say - there’s much less real talent at the top in Bollywood than meets the eye. The real doers never get the nod.
Comment by NyKavi on 9 April 2008:

http://www.ibnlive.com/news/govt-learns-a-lesson-from-taare-zameen-par/58380-3.html

I think that should just about sum up what Aamir’s contribution to society in general was through this movie. People may have all kinds of problems with Aamir’s handling of Amol, or his handling of the movie, etc. etc. The simple fact is that he was the guy having the moolah as well as the open mind to bring this project to fruition. Amol cudve done this with anyone else and made a pure documentary that wudve flopped after running in 25 cinemas, and wouldve been forever relegated to a DVD placed behind the Top20 latka-jhatka entertainers of Bwood.
If the movie had not accurately portrayed the Learning Disability, the effects of it on the child, the ignorance of the parents, their helplessness in understanding the kid, the issues with general system of education that completely disregards such learning disabilities, the portrayal of the teachers who are btw pretty much the way I had seen them to be 2 decades ago in schools (not sure if primary hindi-math-english teachers have been suddenly sophisticated in the last 15 yrs), the portrayal of corporal punishment, the absolute lack of understanding of basic child psychology and development that does exist massively in even topnotch indian schools…
Had it not been for all of the above, this movie would have not related to anyone, and would not have been the thumping success it was.
Having said all that, I also think that single childless bachelors are not prone to understanding the core message in this movie. At 25, Most people forget what they went thru as 8 yrs old. They relive all of that when they actually get to rear their own 5 yr old kids.
Comment by akshay shah on 9 April 2008:

Akshaye Khanna wouldve ROCKED in that role…

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Aamir’s betrayal hurt me a lot: Amol Gupte

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