'Lagaan', 'Dil Chahta Hai' marked new period of Indian cinema: KJo

Mumbai, April 27 (IANS) For filmmaker Karan Johar, 2001 was the turning point in Hindi cinema as two unique films - "Dil Chahta Hai" and "Lagaan: Once Upon A Time In India" - truly set the ball rolling for change.

"I think there are a lot of decades of brilliance. The 1940s and 1950s are considered golden ages of Hindi cinema. But for me, the most important year was 2001 when 'Lagaan' and 'Dil Chahta Hai' released," the 40-year-old said here Friday at a special screening of "Bombay Talkies," a film made to pay tribute to 100 years of Indian cinema.

"The golden age, the new age started from there," added the son of late filmmaker Yash Johar.

"Bombay Talkies" consists of four short films made by Dibakar Banerjee, Anurag Kashyap, Zoya Akhtar and Karan.

Karan has directed Rani Mukerji, Randeep Hooda and Saqib Saleem for his short film, and he is all praises for all of them.

"Rani is an amazing actor. She is one of the most outstanding acting talents and it was my honour to work with her," Karan said.

"It was great to work with Randeep and Saqib and I want you all to see the film to know that all three of them have put in really sincere performances," he added.

Karan's debut directorial venture "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai" released in 1998. It starred Rani along with Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol.

"Bombay Talkies" hits the theatres May 3.