At 84, Dev Anand plans for a hit film

Mumbai, July 21 (IANS) Age has not dampened the spirit of evergreen Bollywood star Dev Anand. The 84-year-old thespian is now busy with his new film 'Chargesheet', a murder mystery that will star Jackie Shroff and a host of newcomers.

Actor-director-producer Dev Anand, who introduced stars like Zeenat Aman, Tina Munim and Tabu, among others, told IANS: 'I always stood for newcomers. I think there is immense talent in our country that needs to be tapped. We, as responsible filmmakers, should always provide them the opportunity to prove their mettle.'

'The story is set in Panchgani where the major portion of the film will be shot,' said Anand, who is directing and producing the film.

While Anand will play a retired CBI officer, Jackie will portray an actor in the film. Sameer Kochhar, who has acted in films like 'Zeher' and 'Jannat', will play a corrupt police officer.

Anand said 'Chargesheet' will be one of his best projects till date and people will see him at his best as an actor and director.

'I have been working on the script for quite a long time and it has shaped up really well. I hope it will strike the chord with the masses.

'My last few films did not do well as I was not aware of the marketing technique which is prevalent today, but I will not take any chance with this project as it is very dear to me,' Anand said.

Anand said he plans to start shooting next month in Mumbai, where he will be filming some of the interior scenes.

'The major portion of the shoot will be in Panchgani, which I will start as soon as the monsoon ends,' he added.

The film is expected to be complete by January 2009.

Talking about Jackie, Anand said: 'Jackie is very dear to me from the days when we worked together in 'Swami Dada'. He has a very interesting role to play in the film, which I will not divulge now.

'Chargesheet' will be the 37th movie of Anand's production company Navketan Films that has given countless blockbuster hits like 'Baazi', 'Kala Bazar', 'Guide', 'Jewel Thief', 'Prem Pujari', 'Hare Rama Hare Krishna' and 'Heera Panna', among others.

Dev Anand had created a rage among the masses for three long decades from the 1950s to the 1970s with hits like 'Jaal', 'Taxi Driver', 'Munimji', 'CID' 'Bambai Ka Babu', 'Hum Dono', 'Asli Naqli', 'Johny Mera Naam', 'Gambler', 'Heera Panna' and 'Warrant', among others.