PAK ACTRESS IN BHATT'S 'NAZAR KE SAMNE'
By Aira
An Encounter
Following her husband's footsteps is Soni Razdan who's making her directorial debut in Mahesh Bhatt's production. The film called 'Nazar Ke Samne' stars Pakistani actress Meera. The male lead is yet to be finalized, but it could be John Abraham or Dino Morea. 'Nazar Ke Samne' is a suspense thriller," explains Soni. "It's exciting because for a change, a woman is directing a thriller. I loved the story the moment I heard it." Since it's a thriller, she doesn't want to reveal much at the moment. But it might be a 'no song' film, she adds.
Mahesh Bhatt says he has given "a ground plan which Soni has developed along with her team of writers. It's about a man-woman relationship with lots of physicality and tension." Anand Shivkumaran is writing the screenplay. "Meera is doing the lead role," confirms Soni.
Excerpts of an encounter:
Will we be seeing Soni also in the film?
No, I am only concentrating on direction. We have approached John Abraham. But we are looking to match dates for May, says Bhatt. He's very keen to do the film with us once again. Dino is also a contender. We can't keep Meera, the Pakistani actress waiting forever. She's a very busy actress in Pakistan.
Why Meera?
She's a darling. I love her madness. The more mad people come into our fold the better.
Is Soni going to be taking help from her husband?
Lots! But definitely not as to how to take a shot or all that. I'm very pig-headed and like to do things on my own. But I would surely take his advice. He's a great sounding board and a good support especially when things go wrong.
How do you enter into direction now?
"I have been waiting to direct a film for a very long time", says Soni. "It all started with a passion for one film. It was based on 'difficult daughters', which I was planning to direct first. And then it developed into a passion for three to four films. I have been bitten by the bug," she smiles.
Why isn't she directing that film first?
"I am still planning to make that film. It is a very important film for me. But it's a big budget film and will require a strong star cast. The script is ready and I am in the process of finalizing the cast. I don't want to rush it though."
Soni has not stopped acting. She's doing Madhur Bhandarkar's 'Page 3' where she plays Anjali Thapar, a socialite with a social conscience." She also has done a stint with the British Asian Theatre Company in London and acted in their play 'Taste for Mangoes'. 'Nazar' Ke Samne' will go on floor in May-June. This will be complete in two schedules and is due for a Diwali release. Mahesh Bhatt will produce the film shot in India; London based Sevy Ali and Vishesh Films.
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