Sir Ben Kingsley? Leena explains that thanks to the net, information and communication across the world is very simple. “That’s how we got our amazing action director and editor on board. They have done hi-profile work in Hollywood’s mega hits. Once we got Mr Bachchan on, the person that his character looks up to, had to have a presence that justified and made credible the vibes that coloured their constant interaction. The Big B, at any point, is a very hard act to follow, so it had to be someone who blended charismatic personality with power-house histrionics. For some reason, the first actor that comes to my mind, whenever great acting is spoken of, is Kingsley’s amazing Gandhi! So we decided – what guts, huh?! – to go for it. Ambika, a real trouper and a massive support system all along, leapt into action with all the formalities in terms of contacting his agent, script, contract … And before we knew Sir Ben was in! Amitabh Bachchan and Sir Ben in the same movie, sharing the frame! Was I dreaming?!”
The Director Sahiba can’t even begin to explain the experience of working with them. “Totally and unconditionally, dedicated and committed professionals, their brilliance at work was only matched by their generosity of spirit and humility, away from it. Not once, even for a second, did they ever make me feel like either a discriminated-against woman director or someone only on her second film. Sensitive, responsive and interactive with critical inputs, both these legends made “Teen Patti” an enriching experience for which we shall remain eternally grateful. I genuinely believe that if you are an Indian film director and haven’t had the privilege, good fortune and luck to work with Mr Bachchan, your journey is incomplete.”
Pssst – what about the garma-garam Maria? Another Big B – Brazilian Bombshell? “She’s a real knockout! See, I needed a dancer with sexuality that intimidated, not titillated. She had to radiate the right vibes when she goes around the room buttonholing men, singing "Teri Niyat Kharab Hai". I interviewed plenty of very attractive females, but when she walked in, I instantly knew that she was it! The in-your-face pataka symbolised the seven deadly sins! My choreographer Ashley Lobo agreed and man… she really turned on the heat during that number!”
Finally, what are her expectations from the film? She laughs. “The film’s title “Teen Patti” is my answer! Life, Bollywood releases, audience feedback, box office results… Isn’t everything a gamble, residing in the terrains of the unknown? That’s what makes it exciting, challenging … And scary! We’ve done our very best, worked with our hearts, with passion and purpose. It works as a metaphor of life, at various levels and is totally identifiable. It plays out easily – unlike “Shabd” – and is neither intellectual nor complex. The content powered by the likes of the two legends and supported by brilliant talents like Madhavan, should provide for thrilling entertainment. Let’s see. I am keeping my fingers crossed …” Here’s to the gamble paying off!
The Director Sahiba can’t even begin to explain the experience of working with them. “Totally and unconditionally, dedicated and committed professionals, their brilliance at work was only matched by their generosity of spirit and humility, away from it. Not once, even for a second, did they ever make me feel like either a discriminated-against woman director or someone only on her second film. Sensitive, responsive and interactive with critical inputs, both these legends made “Teen Patti” an enriching experience for which we shall remain eternally grateful. I genuinely believe that if you are an Indian film director and haven’t had the privilege, good fortune and luck to work with Mr Bachchan, your journey is incomplete.”
Pssst – what about the garma-garam Maria? Another Big B – Brazilian Bombshell? “She’s a real knockout! See, I needed a dancer with sexuality that intimidated, not titillated. She had to radiate the right vibes when she goes around the room buttonholing men, singing "Teri Niyat Kharab Hai". I interviewed plenty of very attractive females, but when she walked in, I instantly knew that she was it! The in-your-face pataka symbolised the seven deadly sins! My choreographer Ashley Lobo agreed and man… she really turned on the heat during that number!”
Finally, what are her expectations from the film? She laughs. “The film’s title “Teen Patti” is my answer! Life, Bollywood releases, audience feedback, box office results… Isn’t everything a gamble, residing in the terrains of the unknown? That’s what makes it exciting, challenging … And scary! We’ve done our very best, worked with our hearts, with passion and purpose. It works as a metaphor of life, at various levels and is totally identifiable. It plays out easily – unlike “Shabd” – and is neither intellectual nor complex. The content powered by the likes of the two legends and supported by brilliant talents like Madhavan, should provide for thrilling entertainment. Let’s see. I am keeping my fingers crossed …” Here’s to the gamble paying off!
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