MAN GAYE MUGHAL-E-AZAM is one much awaited movie of 2008. It has every ingredient of tickling funny bones of the audiences. We recently caught the man behind the movie, director, Sanjay Chhel in between his busy schedule.

First of all tell us about MAN GAYE MUGHAL-E-AAZAM?
It’s a very contemporary comedy. It has Paresh, Mallika, KK and Rahul Bose, Pawan Malhotra, Zakir Hussain and Tannaz Currim. I am the director, lyricist and script writer of this film. Anu Malik has given the music in this film. K.K. is doing a full comedy for the first time. I am very happy the way film has taken shape. But it’s not like GOLMAAL or PARTNER.

Is the film completed?
Almost completed. Shooting is completed in very short span of time. Most of the film is shot in Mumbai and some part is being shot in Pondicherry. This film will be released in the month of April-May.

Why the name MAN GAYE MUGHAL-E-AZAM’?
When you will see the film you will come to know. I would like to say that it’s not a spoof of legend MUGHAL-E-AAZAM. But it has a strong reference of Mughal-E-Azam.

Any funny incident which you would like to share with us?
Lot of things. Mallika is very funny on the sets. Both Mallika and Paresh always make fun of Rahul by pulling his leg. And especially she has very special way of saying ‘salaam’ like Anaarkali when she comes on the sets. All these things are very funny.

Is this full on comedy?
Yes it is total comedy. But it has a social relevance. I can say that it is on the lines of JAANE BHI DO YAARO.

Is it true that Mallika gave weird expressions to K.K?
Yes, infact, Mallika used to make him nervous by flirting with him. K.K is a very serious guy, so whenever she used to flirt he used to turn black red.

view MAN GAYE MUGHAL-E-AZAM movie stills

You have given a get up of Madhubala ji to Mallika in MAN GAYE MUGHAL-E-AZAM?
Yes in one section we have given her the get up of the diva. She is dressed like Anarkali in one song of the film. I don’t want to say much. You will have to see the film.

This is second film of Rahul and Mallika after PYAR KE SIDE EFFECTS, so how is their chemistry in this film?
Fantastic chemistry they share. Mallika is a very smart actress and full of life and Rahul is methodical and from different kind of cinema. The two have very opposite kind of tendency which makes it interesting to watch.

Isn’t it quite difficult for you to handle all the stuff like directing, scripting, lyrics and all?
On the contrary, it keeps me more engaged in film making. Everything comes in my creative arena. I enjoy it. I have this thinking that who writes the script almost directs the film in his mind. Same can be said for lyrics.