Will not direct after ‘Jab Tak Hain Jaan’, says Yash Chopra

Mumbai : Veteran filmmaker Yash Chopra, who turned 80 Thursday, announced in a chat with actor Shah Rukh Khan that he will not be directing any more films after “Jab Tak Hain Jaan”.

“Bahut ho gaya abhi. My heart says bahut ho gaya abhi. I will not direct any other film after ‘Jab Tak Hain Jaan’. I have got lot of love in all these years. I think now the time has come to pay back. I want to help directors, actors, technicians who I could not help all these years,” said Chopra.

“This industry has given me so much. I am very much happy and satisfied with the film. This film has turned out better than my expectation. I don’t want to do anything else. My wife has been complaining a lot. I want to make her happy and enjoy my life,” he said.

Shah Rukh, who has been an integral part of Yash Raj Films for the past 20 years and stars in “Jab Tak Hain Jaan” with Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma, said he was saddened by Chopra’s decision.

“I feel sad but great people decide when they want to finish… For years I have worked with Yashji. This is a moment of happy sadness. We are happy that we are part of that film which made you happy. ”

Terming it a “moment of history” for himself, Shah Rukh said he felt very touched and “can’t question it anymore”.

Chopra started his career as a director in 1959 with “Dhool Ka Phool” and in 60 years in the industry, has given many hits including ‘Waqt”, “Silsila”, “Chandni”, “Dil Toh Pagal Hai”, and “Veer Zara”, among others.

About his decision to make “Jab Tak Hain Jaan”, Chopra says this film was a gift for him from his eldest son Aditya Chopra, adding that his son had promised to serve as his assistant and fulfil all requirements.

“He has been a wonderful assistant. When I decided to make this film I thought my soul should be in this film,” Chopra said.

The music of the film is given by A.R. Rahman and lyrics are by Gulzar. Yash Chopra was all praise for them.

“They are geniuses and magicians according to me. There is a certain pattern of how music is made and they changed this pattern. Gulzar’s poetry gave words to my vision,” he said.

“Jab Tak Hain Jaan” is slated for Nov 13 release.

Photo : AFP