Bollywood filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra hopes he can do justice to romance in his upcoming film Mirziya, a modern-day adaptation of the Mirza-Saahiban legend.
It will be the director’s first attempt at a romantic story as most of his films — Rang De Basanti, Delhi 6 or Bhaag Milkha Bhaag — touch on socio-political issues.
Mirziya is inspired by the love tale of Sahiban and Mirza and is described as a contemporary adaptation. The film screenplay is written by Gulzar, who turns 81 on Tuesday.
“I am keeping my fingers crossed as I have dealt with action, romance, drama and tragedy for the first time. Most of my films are socio-political dramas,” Mehra said.
“They are all social subjects, some had political and social comments. I hope I can do justice to romance, love,” the 52-year-old added.
The project marks the Bollywood debut of Anil Kapoor’s son and Sonam Kapoor’s brother Harshvardhan Kapoor and Saiyami Kher, granddaughter of actress Usha Kiran and niece of Tanvi Azmi.
“It is amazing to work with new talent. We had athletic cast and all four youngsters and they all have very important roles. I learnt so much from them it is like starting a life all together again,” he said, adding they are thinking about releasing the film in May, next year.
Meanwhile, the Aks director is simultaneously working on a number of projects including Raja and the Legend of the Flute and Casual Kamasutra.
“I am in the process of writing Casual Kamasutra, Raja and the Legend of the Flute and My Dear Prime Minister. All these are in writing stages.
“I finished shooting for Mirziya recently so I will need 10 to 15 days to realise and understand what to make next,” the filmmaker added.
