Director Sriram Raghavan recently shared insights into Saif Ali Khan’s initial reluctance to star in his acclaimed 2004 film “Ek Hasina Thi.” The movie, a significant entry in the neo-noir genre, marked Raghavan’s directorial debut and was produced by Ram Gopal Varma.
Khan was uncertain about taking on the role, especially after his recent success with “Dil Chahta Hai.” Raghavan noted that Khan was experiencing a transitional phase in his career, having not enjoyed consistent success prior to “Ek Hasina Thi,” which would become his 44th film. However, the director and Khan found common ground in their film and literary tastes, which fostered a sense of trust between them.
Raghavan described how the idea for “Ek Hasina Thi” emerged after he lost an opportunity to direct “Ab Tak Chhappan.” Initially, he had been set to work on that project, but following some creative shifts, he was presented with a different story. Raghavan approached the new narrative with enthusiasm, aiming to uncover its potential, which, he described, had a raw quality reminiscent of a novel. The screenplay was penned by Pooja Ladha Surti, who would subsequently collaborate with Raghavan on several other films.
Reflecting on his mentorship by Ram Gopal Varma, Raghavan emphasized the value of innovation. Varma advised him to avoid repetition in filmmaking and to focus on enjoying the creative journey. This counsel profoundly influenced Raghavan’s approach to directing.
During the discussion, he also mentioned an interest in adapting Ira Levin’s novel “A Kiss Before Dying.” However, that idea was shelved as it coincided with the production of “Baazigar,” a film based on the same book. Raghavan recalled fond memories of discovering second-hand books at Churchgate in Mumbai, where he often found inspiration.
Raghavan’s latest project, “Ikkis,” is a biographical war drama based on Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal’s life. The film has received positive feedback for its compelling narrative that promotes peace, although it struggled to attract large audiences.