Don't want to win the box office with controversy: Aayush Sharma

Aayush Sharma says his debut film "Loveyatri" is a celebration of love and culture and it was painful to do away with the original title as the makers did not want to court any controversy.

In an interview with PTI, Aayush opened up about the title row to how he landed in Bollywood as an actor, courtesy Khan brothers - Salman, Arbaaz and Sohail.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) was irked by the title "Loveratri", which according to them was distorting the meaning of Hindu festival, Navratri. Later, a Bihar court had ordered an FIR to be lodged against Salman, saying the title hurts religious sentiments and promotes vulgarity.

For Aayush, it was disheartening that the title was changed as he had lived with it for the longest time.

"Our intention was very clear. We wanted a film that connects with most people. There was unnecessary conversation and objection happening over it," the newcomer told PTI.

The actor said it was difficult for him to understand the reason behind the controversy as the film has not been watched by anybody yet.

He added production banner Salman Khan Films has always believed in making family entertainers.

"The film will not hurt anyone's sentiments. There is not one double meaning dialogue in the film, it only talks about culture. Something or some elements had a problem. I don't want to win the box office with a controversy.

"I don't think getting controversy or adding tension would have worked in my favour. I am not publicity hungry. I have enough publicity through the film. I don't need unnecessary attention and I don't want anybody else to get the attention, so if you have a problem, we will change it (title). So, we gave up on the title and it is ok."
He recalled, "Lot of things were said like new actor, new actress and a new director, he is a brother-in-law (of Salman) is he capable of doing something like this? We had the energy, the drive to make a film that people would know us for."
"I was clear I did not want to do a 9am to 5pm job. I wanted to stay away from politics. As a viewer, I would look at the films and say, 'Wow, what a beautiful world'. There were people who told me I should take up acting, do TV serials and ads. But I never gave it a serious thought."