Big B does not blame me for Aag, says director RGV

Mumbai: Ram Gopal Verma's Aag may be considered a dark spot on Amitabh Bachchan's otherwise illustrious film career but the controversial director says he is thankful that the mega star does not blame him for the debacle.

A remake 1975 cult classic Sholay, the 2007 release saw Bachchan essaying the role of Gabbar, which was played by Amzad Khan in the original movie. But even mega star's presence could not save the film, which went on to become one of the biggest flops in Indian cinema history, with public terming it Ram Gopal Verma Ki Rakh.

Did Verma ever go back and ask Bachchan what really made him sign the film?

"Making Aag was my fault and Big B knows exactly what went wrong in the making of the film. We are just looking at the cause which is something known only to insiders like us," said Verma.

"Thankfully, Mr Bachchan continues to have respect for me as a filmmaker. He knows that the film didn't falter because of my carelessness," Verma said.

It has been more than two years since the release of Aag and there are dozens of jokes floating around the

industry circles, why does Ramu continue to take all the humour at his expense? Even he has been giving the entire Aag fiasco a good laugh.

"I don't mind that. I can never see myself defending a movie or mine by making statements like 'Oh, this is just like my baby and I can never be objective about it'. I disconnect from it soon after it's release," Verma said.

"In any case, we are in an age where all of us, including myself, love to put things down. Rather than sulking over

people's comments, I would rather join them and have all the fun," he added.

After roping in Big B for Sarkar (2005), Ramu continued the association with Darna Zaroori Hai (2006), Nishabd (2007), Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag (2007) and Sarkar Raj (2008).

Bachchan has once again teamed up with Ramu for Rann, which will see the 67-year-old actor essaying the role of a media honcho.

A multi starrer that also features Riteish Deshmukh, Sudeep, Gul Panag, Neetu Chandra, Mohnish Behl, Rajat Kapoor and Paresh Rawal, Rann is said to be a hard hitting affair that promises to expose the functioning of media.

With Amitabh Bachchan spearheading the cast while playing the role of the owner of a news channel, Rann is releasing on January 2010.