He was speaking Sunday during a panel discussion organised by students of Subhash Ghai's film school Whistling Woods International in Mumbai. The discussion was hung on the second one day of a movie festival organised by the scholars to celebrate 100 years of Indian cinema.
Director R. Balki of "Paa" fame, Amol Gupte, who's known for his work in "Taare Zameen Par" and "Ishqzaade" director Habib Faisal were the opposite directors who sat at the panel. The discussion was moderated by film critic Rajeev Masand.
Talking about his peers, Rohit went directly to say how courageous they've been with a view to make their films. "All three of them are braver than me. I'D never have made my directorial debut with Rishi Kapoor within the lead," he said referring, to Habib's's film "Do Dooni Chaar".
"I would have also not handled a sensitive subject like that of 'Taare Zameen Par' or Amitabh Bachchan within the role of Auro, for 'Paa'," he added.
Known for his "Golmaal" series and "Singham", Rohit is regarded as as a director who makes sequels and remakes by many.
Defending his colleague, director Habib spoke concerning the labor required to make a remake. "THE ONE thing available for a remake is the script. Everything else must be done," he said.
Another major issue addressed by the panel was the difficulties faced by writers today. They were of the opinion that writers were not given the honour they deserved. "Writers are a unprecedented commodity today. They do not get the honor which they deserve. We still don't value them," Balki said.
The panel discussion was hung on the last day of the festival and veteran actress Hema Malini was present for the closing ceremony together with music composer Anu Malik.
"There are such a lot of filmmakers who came and went but only Subhash Ghai considered keeping something for the approaching generation. I'M sure you all are doing very well," she said.
