Aanand L. Rai: Its a delight to have Shah Rukh Khan in my film

Aanand L. Rai has not worked with any Bollywood biggies in past, but now when he has superstar Shah Rukh Khan is on board for his next project, the filmmaker is thrilled and all geared up for it.

The 44-year-old director, who is riding high on the success of his two consecutive films- ‘Raanjhanaa’ and ‘Tanu Weds Manu: Returns,’ was all praise for SRK.

“He is a gutsy actor. He always takes challenges. It is a delight to have him in the film. We both have liking for each other. We want to work together and we are on that process.

“Shah Rukh is a very intelligent man. He makes you feel so important and responsible so it is fun to work with him. He was very happy to hear the story,” Rai told PTI.

The 50-year-old ‘Dilwale’ star will be seen essaying the role of a dwarf in the interesting love story and the director is planning to serve a decent dose of songs in the film.

“It (story) sounds it is just about dwarf but it is much more than that. It is a much taller film. It is a very entertaining and interesting love story. I will be fool if I have Shah Rukh Khan in my film and have no romance and songs,” he said.

The filmmaker is yet to finalise the lead actress for the movie.

Apart from direction, Rai is excited about his upcoming projects as a producer.

“We have ‘Nil Battey Sannata’ with Swara Bhaskar, ‘Happy Bhaag Jayegi’ starring Abhay Deol and Diana Penty and ‘Manmarziyan’ with Ayushmann Khurrana and Bhumi Pednekar.

All three are interesting films and I am excited about it. This is the kind of cinema I want to be involved with as a producer. I am enjoying the process,” he added.

Inputs from PTI

Amod Pandit

Quiet, resonant, and creative, he can be seen immersed in his own world, and puts in his heart and soul into the one passion that he has, Bollywood. His line for survival? Feel happy to be a part of it.