John and Abhishek play best friends and not gay couple in the upcoming film 'Dostana', says director Tarun Mansukhani. "They don't behave as gay. They behave as normal friends," says Tarun, who turns director for the first time after assisting Karan Johar in 'Kal Ho Na Ho'."In fact, gays never behave in any particular way. Their behaviour is not different from all of us. Its our own perception about gays that makes us think that they behave in a particular way," he clarifies, while adding that he has not stereotyped the gay community in 'Dostana'.
"John and Abhishek lie that they are a gay couple, and so all other characters presumes them to be gay, which brings in the fun quotient to the film," he says.
When asked about why he chose gay theme in the film, he says, "Bollywood has made films on a variety of subjects like child abuse, drug abuse, extra martial affairs, sexual exploitation, etc. But no films have been made on gay sexuality till now. So I added it to the film. And these days, everyone specially the younger generation jokes about gay.
But the film is not about gay sexuality. Its basically about friendship and its ups and downs." 'Dostana' stars Abhishek Bachchan, John Abraham, Priyanka Chopra, Shilpa Shetty and has Bobby Deol in a special appearance.
Abhishek plays a male nurse in a Miami hospital, while John is a photographer who has illegally migrated to the country. Priyanka, on the other hand, works with a magazine.
Tarun, who is also the scriptwriter, says his boarding days in school inspired him to write the film. "Its a tribute to my friends with whom I used to share whatever I wanted to," he adds.
He feels that since he began writing the script, he has got whatever he had expected. "Its like a dream come true for me. While writing the script I had John and Abhisekh in my mind. And I got them in the lead roles," he says.
While praising his mentor Karan Johar, under whose banner the film is being produced, he says, "He is amazing as a producer. He provided me whatever I asked for."
He has shot the complete film in Miami. Recounting his experience of shooting at a stretch for 91 days, he says that the exotic location and atmosphere has left him spoilt for the rest of his life.
