When Vivek couldn't see Ash!

by Subhash K Jha

Even as director Vishal Bhardwaj awaits the nod from his first choice for the role of Iago in his Indian adaptation of Othello, he has zeroed in on actor Vivek Oberoi to play Cassius, the Roman emperor in Shakespeare's tragedy

. Vivek, shooting in Bangkok for Indra Kumar's Pyare Mohan says, "It's too early to talk about it; I'll confirm soon."

But sources confirm Vivek's presence in it. Right now, Vivek is gung-ho about his second comedy with Induji." Adds the actor, from Bangkok, "It's going great grins! Some people had a problem identifying with the risqu humour in Induji's Masti; in Pyare Mohan, there'll be no such problem."

The vibes between Pyare (Vivek) and Mohan (Fardeen) are perfect. Nowadays, Vivek makes sure he hits it off well with his male co-stars – John Abraham in Kaal and Aftab and Riteish in Masti are some of his lately acquired pals.

On November 1, when it was Aishwarya Rai's birthday, Vivek and his lady found themselves in different parts of the world – in incompatible time zones. But Vivek caught up with Ash on the phone at the stroke of midnight, as her birthday was ushered in.

Yes, contrary to doomsayers' predictions, this couple continues to be completely in love. But Vivek missed being home for Diwali. "I hope it was a quieter Diwali this year… not too many firecrackers."