Bhansali in awe of Prateik’s innocence

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Given the box office failures of his last couple of films, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s decision to hand over the directorial privileges for his upcoming film My Friend Pinto seems to be a smart one.
Did you miss directing My Friend Pinto?
No, there was actually more enjoyment and excitement because you believe in new talent, a new kind of cinema. There is excitement in seeing something shape up in front of you, seeing a director blossom into his own.
Did you treat the project differently from the ones you do direct?
If I’m producing a film, it’s my name and reputation which are at stake; I still want the best for all these films.
Why did you choose a newcomer like (director) Raaghav Dar?
Raaghav is a trained filmmaker, and he’s studied at the Film Institute in Pune. So he knows his job. And plus, he has assisted Mani Ratnam and Abbas Tyrewala, so I’m sure he’s learnt well on the sets.
What about the newcomers you have cast?
Not just the actors, the whole ensemble cast and crew is made of newcomers. The technicials, art directors, musicians, etc. are all newcomers. It was interesting to work with a new generation.
What about Prateik?
Prateik is Pinto in so many ways. There is certain innocence about him, a magic that comes from the pedigree of being Smita Patil’s son, and you just can’t move your eyes away even when he is standing next to the stalwarts of cinema. Prateik could be a very, very important star of our times in a few years.