Filmdom not closed unit any more: 'Raanjhanaa' writer

New Delhi, July 19 (IANS) His last two ventures turned out to be huge successes at the box office and now Himanshu Sharma, scriptwriter of "Tanu Weds Manu" and "Raanjhanaa", feels that the industry give chances to talented people.

"Our film industry has evolved over the years. It's not a closed unit any more. Anybody with talent will get a break. The audience is more accepting these days, which encourages and motivates us to try different things," Sharma told IANS.

Anand L. Rai directed both "Tanu Weds Manu" and "Raanjhanaa" and now the young writer wants to team up with Imtiaz Ali, director of hits like "Jab We Met" and "Rockstar!"

"There are so many talented people in the industry, however, I would love to work with Imtiaz Ali," he said when asked if he has any favourites in Bollywood with whom he is keen to work with.

With two back-to-back hits in his kitty, he believes in growing as a writer with every project.

"It's great that the Indian audience today enjoys all sorts of films. It helps me explore my versatility. Writing the two films have been a great experience for me. It made me grow as a writer.

"It feels great that the audience appreciates my efforts. I hope that I continue doing good work," he said and added that "honesty and passion" are the "key ingredients" for true blue romantic saga.

Apart from writing, he is also honing his directing skills and worked as an assistant director on "Tanu Weds Manu". He calls himself "fortunate to work with so many talented directors".

When asked about his plans to direct a film, he said: "As for getting into direction, that has always been in the pipeline for me. So hopefully someday it will happen."

Sharma recently narrated a few chapters of "The Jungle Book" at DLF Saket. The live session, aimed at reviving good old childhood memories of the Rudyard Kipling classic, was the part of Jungle Book Jive, organised by Fever Entertainment.

Talking about his love for Jungle book, he said: "I think my whole generations grew up on the Jungle Book. Friendship of Baloo and Mowgli, the fear that Sher Khan used to instill in us, the innocence of Mowgli, his boomerang... I can go on and on."

"I think the book teaches us the importance of adapting to any situation. That is a very relevant fact in today's times considering the cutthroat world we live in. We need to change and adapt just like Mowgli in the jungle book even when he was taken out of his comfort zone," added the writer who was born in Lucknow and studied in Delhi.

Who is your favourite character in the book?

"I would say Bagheera because he's witty, spontaneous and moreover a protector. I identify most with his character," said Sharma.

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