{"id":10782,"date":"2007-08-06T17:16:21","date_gmt":"2007-08-06T17:16:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/tat.reddaisytrading.co.uk\/index.php\/2007\/08\/06\/salman-was-my-only-choice-for-marigold\/"},"modified":"2007-08-06T17:16:21","modified_gmt":"2007-08-06T17:16:21","slug":"salman-was-my-only-choice-for-marigold","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.theasiantoday.com\/index.php\/2007\/08\/06\/salman-was-my-only-choice-for-marigold\/","title":{"rendered":"\u2018Salman was my only choice for Marigold\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

Willard Carroll on the joys of making ‘Marigold’<\/h3>\n
\"\"Ask Hollywood director Willard Carroll what led him to Bollywood and he\u2019ll answer \u2018Chori Chori Chupke Chupke\u2019. The famous and much-loved Salman Khan starrer kickstarted a love for Bollywood and one that has led him to \u2018Marigold\u2019 \u2013 a very Hollywood film with all the romantic ingredients we\u2019ve come to love from Bollywood. We caught up with Willard to find out what drew him to Salman and all things Bollywood\u2026<\/strong><\/div>\n

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\u00a0<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

Why would a mainstream <\/strong>Hollywood<\/strong> director think of a story about an adventure to <\/strong>India<\/strong>?<\/strong><\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

On my first trip, I fell in love with India and the spirit of Indian movies, and decided I wanted to make a film there that might combine Bollywood and Hollywood filmmaking styles to tell a story that could be accessible to a Western audience, told from an American\u2019s point of view.<\/div>\n

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Most of your cast and crew were Indian.\u00a0Do you think making \u201cMarigold\u201d was almost like shooting an Indian film?<\/strong><\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

The best filmmaking professionals anywhere in the world are the same:\u00a0serious about what they do, dedicated to high standards, hardworking, and uncomplaining.\u00a0I felt completely at home making this picture in India.\u00a0And, likewise, I believe any of the Indians who worked on \u201cMarigold\u201d would feel equally at home on a movie set in Hollywood, London, or anywhere else.\u00a0The filmmaking talent in India is world-class, and we had some of the very top people on our film.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n

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Is the story of \u201cMarigold\u201d reflective of your first journey to <\/strong>India<\/strong>?\u00a0Tell us about the experience of your own adventure<\/strong><\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

On my first trip to India, to Chennai, I was with a large group of Americans attending an entertainment conference.\u00a0Tom Wilhite, the producer of \u201cMarigold,\u201d had been invited to go, but couldn\u2019t make it.\u00a0He said, \u201cI was just offered an all-expenses-paid trip to India but can\u2019t go.\u201d\u00a0I said, \u201cAre you nuts?\u00a0You\u2019re giving up a trip to India.\u00a0What do I have to do to get that trip?\u201d\u00a0During the 10-day trip all I had to do was make a presentation about filmmaking and take part in a panel.\u00a0The rest of the time was generally open.\u00a0All of the other Americans stayed in the hotel most of the time.\u00a0Whenever I travel \u2013 even after a long international flight \u2013 I immediately like to go out, shop, walk around, and generally get lost.\u00a0When I said I wanted to go to an Indian movie, I was told where the nearest multiplex was.\u00a0I said, \u201cNo, I want to see a movie in a big, old stand-alone movie theater.\u00a0And that\u2019s when I wandered into \u201cChori Chori Chupke Chupke\u201d\u2026\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/div>\n

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\u00a0<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

Why did you choose Salman Khan for this film?<\/strong><\/div>\n

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\u00a0\u201cChori Chori Chupke Chupke\u201d was a revelation!\u00a0I\u2019m a movie fanatic, will watch almost anything, and as a result know a lot about movies from all over the world.\u00a0But, at that point my Bollywood knowledge was surprisingly limited.\u00a0The experience of seeing this movie, in a theater full of people at two in the afternoon was a life-changer.\u00a0I loved the exuberance of the film, and was immediately struck by Salman\u2019s charisma and his command of the screen.\u00a0I came back to Los Angeles and watched literally 100 Bollywood movies on DVD, including all of Salman\u2019s.\u00a0He was my one and only choice for the movie that I decided I wanted to make.\u00a0I wrote the part of Prem specifically for Salman.\u00a0<\/div>\n

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<\/p>\n

Which of Salman Khan\u2019s previous films are your favorites?<\/strong><\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve seen all of Salman\u2019s films.\u00a0My favorites are \u201cHum Dil De Chuke Sanam<\/span><\/em>\u201d and \u201cHum Saath-Saath Hain.\u201d<\/div>\n

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\u00a0<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

Why did you choose the name Marigold for the film?<\/strong><\/div>\n

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The marigold flower is a significant (and visual) part of many Hindu ceremonies, and Marigold also seemed like an appealing Western female name.<\/div>\n

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<\/p>\n

\"\"Who were the actors you short-listed for Ali Larter\u2019s role?\u00a0Or was she your first choice?<\/strong><\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

After writing the first draft of \u201cMarigold,\u201d Dianne Crittenden (the US casting director), the producers, and I did the normal thing and put together a casting list:\u00a0a mix of stars, emerging names, and unknowns\u2026Americans and some British actresses from mid-20s to late-30s.\u00a0But I always wanted a newer person because the character of Marigold Lexton is, after all, an aspiring star, not someone who\u2019s already achieved universal fame.\u00a0And the movie takes place when Marigold is at a decision-making crossroads regarding her professional contentment and personal happiness.\u00a0As a director, I find it rewarding to work with lesser known but emerging actors who I\u2019ve seen in other parts and believe could ultimately become stars.\u00a0For example, when I cast Angelina Jolie in \u201cPlaying by Heart\u201d she was not a star and we had to convince the financiers to go with her.\u00a0But I\u2019d seen her in the film \u201cHackers\u201d several years earlier and was immediately struck by her talent and on-screen power; in fact, I wrote the part in \u201cPlaying by Heart\u201d specifically with her in mind.\u00a0In Hollywood, as in India, financiers naturally push for big names.\u00a0I had gotten to know Ali personally and professionally from her supporting role in the film \u201cThree Way\u201d that I\u2019d produced, and I just felt she\u2019d be perfect as Marigold.\u00a0I was able to prevail and cast her.\u00a0And, indeed, I think she is<\/u> the perfect Marigold.\u00a0<\/div>\n

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\u00a0<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

Did Salman and you debate or discuss who should play the lead opposite him?<\/strong><\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

Yes, we discussed numerous actresses, and we ultimately agreed that Ali was most right for the part.<\/div>\n

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\u00a0<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

How did you decide on the casting of other actors from <\/strong>India<\/strong>?\u00a0Did you audition them?\u00a0Did Salman recommend anyone?<\/strong><\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

We auditioned most of the actors, although I was familiar with the work of the more established ones.\u00a0I think most of them were surprised that I\u2019d seen their films and could actually talk about specific scenes and characters they\u2019d played.\u00a0Salman was very much part of our discussions about the supporting cast.\u00a0For example, he thought Vikas Bhalla was a great choice for the character of Raj, the arrogant Bollywood actor, because Vikas has such an innate talent for comedy while still retaining the inherent dignity of a character.\u00a0I must also mention that Suchitra Pillai was the second person, after Salman, who I cast.\u00a0She was my one and only choice for Rani, the young production assistant who befriends Marigold.\u00a0When the start date for the film was finally set it looked like Suchitra might not be available, but things ultimately worked out.\u00a0It was destiny that she be in the picture, because I couldn\u2019t imagine anyone else in the part.\u00a0Suchitra (along with our Indian casting director Rajesh Latkar) was also instrumental in helping cast many of the roles.\u00a0She had terrific suggestions for new, young actors we might not have been aware of.\u00a0<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

What is your opinion of Salman as a person?\u00a0<\/strong><\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

From the first time we met, he and his family were immensely warm and generous.\u00a0Especially considering they really didn\u2019t know who I was or what my intentions were.\u00a0Since then, Salman and I have become genuine friends.\u00a0It\u2019s going to be a life-long friendship.\u00a0He was deeply involved in the development of this project.\u00a0I think the reason people in the Indian film business have responded so well to the film \u2013 in its portrayal of Bollywood \u2013 is because it reflects the industry as it is, not in some stylized or campy version.\u00a0That all came from Salman and his advice to me about how the business there works.\u00a0Additionally, the family relationships in the movie were influenced by Salman\u2019s observations and suggestions, along with those of Co-Producer Sidhartha Jain.<\/div>\n

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\u00a0<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

\"\"Salman Khan has gone on record saying that \u201cI have done Marigold for Willard.\u201d\u00a0Please comment.<\/strong><\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

As I said, we\u2019ve become true friends.\u00a0Many times this movie could have fallen apart, but he remained committed to it.\u00a0In India, just as in Hollywood, movies get made because of stars.\u00a0Salman\u2019s dedication to this picture is the reason we were able to make it.\u00a0<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

You have used a Bollywood song-and-dance element in making the film.\u00a0Were you comfortable with this?<\/strong><\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

Terrified.\u00a0But comfortable.<\/div>\n

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\u00a0<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

You shot extensively in palaces in Rajasthan.\u00a0How was your experience?<\/strong><\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

We had a terrific experience at Khimsar Fort, which provided the major setting for Prem\u2019s family home.\u00a0We stayed there while we were shooting at that location.\u00a0They were extremely hospitable.\u00a0I wanted a palace that was believable as both a family home and a grand estate.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

Were there any funny or memorable incidents during shooting?<\/strong><\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

One day Salman played a practical joke.\u00a0He secretly hired actors to pose as kidnappers who broke onto the set firing fake prop guns and pretending to attempt to take him hostage.\u00a0My instinct was immediately to step in and save him.\u00a0I don\u2019t think this was bravery; I probably just didn\u2019t want to lose my star!\u00a0We have it on film; the cinematographer Anil Mehta knew about the joke ahead of time and kept the camera running.\u00a0I thought it was all very funny.\u00a0Needless to say, the producers were not so amused. <\/div>\n

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\u00a0<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

Would you like to make more Bollywood films, and if so, with which actors?<\/strong><\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

Absolutely.\u00a0I suppose my fantasy would be to make a film starring all of the three Khans:\u00a0Salman, Shahrukh, and Aamir.\u00a0But I\u2019m probably not alone among directors in having that fantasy!\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

Your previous film was with Angelina Jolie.\u00a0She recently shot a movie in Mumbai.\u00a0Do you think <\/strong>Hollywood<\/strong> is looking at <\/strong>India<\/strong> more seriously?<\/strong><\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

India as a setting and as a source of inspiration and high quality filmmaking talent is definitely of growing interest in Hollywood.\u00a0I think all of us \u2013 Indians and foreigners \u2013 had a good experience making the film there.\u00a0We had a very well-managed production and we were fortunate in having, in Adlabs Films, a solid and professional co-production partner.\u00a0<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

What are you planning to do next in <\/strong>India<\/strong>?<\/strong><\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

The next film I want to make in India is a Hindi-language Bollywood-style adaptation of \u201cThe Wizard of Oz\u201d called \u201cOz \u2013 Jadoo Ka Safar.\u201d<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

Marigold is out on nationwide release on August 17th<\/em><\/strong><\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/div>\n

\n<\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Willard Carroll on the joys of making ‘Marigold’ Ask Hollywood director Willard Carroll what led him to Bollywood and he\u2019ll answer \u2018Chori Chori Chupke Chupke\u2019. The famous and much-loved Salman Khan starrer kickstarted a love for Bollywood and one that has led him to \u2018Marigold\u2019 \u2013 a very Hollywood film with all the romantic ingredients […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":11753,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[72],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-10782","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-interviews"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.theasiantoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10782","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.theasiantoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.theasiantoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.theasiantoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.theasiantoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10782"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.theasiantoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10782\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.theasiantoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11753"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.theasiantoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10782"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.theasiantoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10782"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.theasiantoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10782"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}