Joginder Tuteja, Bollywood Trade News Network

Producer/director Shivajee Chandrabhushan had to face a unique dilemma while shooting for his ambitious venture FROZEN. Though he was mighty impressed with the style quotient that Danny Denzongpa, the lead protagonist of his film, has carried for decades and hence had a secret desire of working with him, he had a different vision for the veteran actor in FROZEN.

''Danny saab is known for his style quotient whereas for the role of 'Karma' in FROZEN, he had to be all subtle. He had to be someone who would never revolt or bring up a 'jhanda' or get into 'naarebaazi'. Now Danny saab has a dynamic personality so during the initial days of shooting for the film, I had to remind him that I wanted a subtle portrayal of the character from him'', remembers Shivajee who shot for the film more than two years back.

In quick time Danny adapted to Shivajee's vision but not before labeling him as a 'subtle' director. ''It was quite funny actually'', smiles the film maker, ''Here I was one newcomer who has grown up on Danny's films and has always believed that when it comes to style he is unbeatable. Look at these actors from the past. On screen, people like KN Singh, Ajit and Pran would calmly puff away their Cigars even as their dens would be blown away by bombs and all. Then came a phase of 'daakus'. And then there was Danny saab who was so stylish and very suited-booted with gelled hair, hat and the works. On the other hand I had to make him discard everything and turn into a local from Leh/Ladakh.''

On a serious note, Shivajee adds, ''Once I closed on the script of FROZEN, I knew deep down in my heart that it would be Danny saab who would play the principal protagonist. Forget about the looks factor that so much suited the film; even other than that he is the most fabulous actor from his generation. In those 28 days of shooting schedule, I saw so much of him and ended up learning a lot about him.''