"Farhan wasn't my first choice: Zoya

“I had started writing and this was the easiest for me to work on"

What inspired you to pen this script?

. It had to do with the world I know. It’s about people of the Hindi film industry. It’s about how our self-esteem affects our destiny. It has to do with my perspective about this industry.

Is it an advantage to write and direct your own movie?

This is my debut venture and I wouldn’t exactly know what it’s like otherwise. But there’s creative freedom when directing your own script.

Will it be directing and scriptwriting henceforth?

I think so. I love writing and even if I direct someone else’s script, I will make sure that I’m involved in the
writing process.

Will there be comparisons to Madhur ’s Fashion?

Not at all. Mine has a universal theme. Let me clarify, this isn’t an exposé. It’s about people’s desire to succeed.

Incidentally, Farhan wasn’t your first choice for Luck By Chance...

No, he wasn’t. When I was writing the script, he had just come out of Dil Chahta Hai. There was no question of approaching him. Reema Kagti suggested his name. I liked him in Fakir Of Venice.

Why did Farhan agree?

He liked the script and the character. Plus, he’s having fun acting. And he also made suggestions to the script.

With an established brother as director, are you jittery about comparisons with him?

He is good at his job so, they will have expectations from me too. And if people compare, I’m not bothered.

How daunting was it to rope in the rest of the cast?

It was easy. There’s an ensemble cast of Konkona, Hrithik, Rishi Kapoor, Dimple Kapadia and Juhi Chawla.

Surely, your lineage helped?

It helps get a foot in the door. It guarantees accessibility. That is a huge perk but then, your script matters too. No one’s here to do favours.

How lucky do you expect to get with Luck By Chance?

Farhan had always said that I should wait for the right opportunity. I think this is the right time. With the audience open to watching all kinds of cinema, proper distribution channels and plexes, I think I am already lucky. But then again, one can’t really bank on luck. I’ve worked hard too.

What has been the biggest hurdle during this process?

Not being able to cast the lead. The wait can weigh you down.

Detractors might say that Farhan has ghost-directed the film...

Farhan has too much work. Why would he do that? He has no need. And if people have to say that, let them.