Aamir Khan Starrer Â´Dhobi GhatÂ´ In Two Languages

Aamir Khan Starrer Â´Dhobi GhatÂ´ In Two Languages
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An English version of art house film- ''Dhobi Ghat'' (Mumbai Dairies), produced by Aamir Khan, will hit screens simultaneously on January 21.

The film, written and directed by Aamir Khan's wife, Kiran Rao, will be released with original portions in English, and another version where the English parts are dubbed in Hindi.

Made with a budget of Rs five crore and produced by Aamir Khan Productions, the film uses Mumbai's Dhobi Ghat as a backdrop to portray the evolving relationship between a young 'dhobi'(washer) and a girl.

Promotions of the film has started with Aamir Khan screening the promos of the film for the press here today.

''Though it is a Hindi film, there are eight to 10 scenes in English. We don't want audiences to miss out on the dialogues so two versions- one with the original 'English' scenes and another one dubbed in Hindi- will be released. We are doing this because it is an art house film and (Director) Kiran did not want to compromise on the integrity of the story,'' Khan explained.

The number of prints to be released have not been finalized because the film is the-first-of-its-kind to be released 'commercially'.

'' We have no reference point as how to promote and distribute the film. The number of prints should be decided, as the date gets closer and the promos-which have been released in English and Hindi- will give the public an idea of what to expect. Truth must be maintained and people should get their money's worth,'' he said.

Khan, who has also acted in the film, said he was promoting the film not as part of the cast, but as a producer.

'' Promotion is part of filmmaking. It's like walking into a crowded room with music on and trying to make one heard above the noise and get people's attention. Kiran's statement of I not being involved in promoting the film, was said in the light of me not overshadowing the film. I don't think I was meant to be away from the promotion.'' Introducing Prateik Babbar, who plays the lead role as ''Munna''- the young washer man, Khan said he was impressed with the actor's talent and dedication.

'' Prateik spent three months learning the dialogues and getting into character. I loved the character of Munna, and made '3 Idiots' to prove that I could play the role of a young dhobi. She was not convinced.''