I'd work with Pankaj Kapoor again and again: Bhavna Talwar

New Delhi, Feb 24 (IANS) After critically-acclaimed 'Dharm', filmmaker Bhavna Talwar is ready with her second film 'Happi' and she is all praise for veteran actor Pankaj Kapoor. She says the 'perfectionist' was the right choice for her second film too.

'He is a perfectionist and extremely committed to his craft. A stalwart with whom I would love to work again and again. He has changed my entire perception about the industry. After working with him, my expectations from other actors in the industry have increased,' Talwar, who teamed up with Pankaj in her directorial debut, told IANS.

Apart from playing the lead role, Pankaj has written the film's script as well.

'Pankaj-ji had written this script long back. When he had shown me the script, I just loved it. Then nothing happened. So one day, I just went to him and told him that I would very much like to make a film on the script and he agreed. So, he was just the right person for 'Happi',' the director said.

The National Award winning 'Dharm', their first film together, was set against the backdrop of the holy city of Varanasi and was a touching tale of religious harmony. Pankaj had excelled in the role of a portly brahmin priest in the movie.

'Happi', however, is a simple comedy drama but with a message.

'It is a comedy. Set in Mumbai, it is about a simple man 'Happi' (Pankal Kapoor) who doesn't have much expectations from life. It is a topical film that throws light on the loopholes in our system.

'The movie gives a message that in this fast world, we should take some time to sit back and look at our life in a simple manner,' Talwar explained.

Just like 'Dharm' that explored religious undercurrents, 'Happi' too gives a social message and Talwar stresses that all her films will have a message associated with them.

Filmmakers are nowadays thinking up out-of-the-box ideas to promote their movies; so what will be her mantra to promote this film?

'We are looking at promoting the concept of happiness in big cities because that is something missing in our everyday lives,' said Talwar.

'Dharm' had received a lot of appreciation from critics as well as audiences; so does it add to the expectations from her second film?

'Well you can't always live up to the expectations of the people. All I believe in is doing my job well and with honesty and it pays off.'

'Happi' is set to release April 16 and also stars Supriya Pathak and Hrishitaa Bhatt.