Acting lures Akbar back

Return confirmed

Confirming his return to acting, Khan tells hitList, "Yes, I am doing Gupta's film. I have known Gupta since a long time. In fact, he was a part of the cast in Akarshan and was also assisting the director. He is a talented man who has the sensitivity and the intellect to hold the reins."

Elaborating further, Khan reveals, "The film is a thriller, it's beautiful story on espionage with a mafia backdrop. I play a very intriguing character who is let down by the girl I think the world of."

Have worked together

Santosh Gupta was more forthcoming on Khan's role. "Khan will have grey shades to his character. I am tremendously impressed by Khan's personality. He has a great voice as well, which will suit my character."

Gupta's association with Khan is not restricted to Aakarshan. "I was also assisting Khan in a film he was making- Naam Hai Krishna, which unfortunately got shelved."

Khan is not at all worried that the other actors have not yet been cast. "I am a person who is interested in what I am assigned.
The casting is the director's domain," he asserts.

Disappointed with Taj

Khan sounds disappointed with the release of Taj Mahal. "I made some judgmental error in the distribution aspect of the film. Taj Mahal released in 125 centres only out of 750 centres in our country. Over and above, it had no proper show timings and good selection of theatres. I am going to re-release the film after about two months," but adds, "However, I am very happy that I got overwhelming reviews from most of the prestigious critics."

Taj Mahal has been nominated in five categories in the Screen awards, which will be held today — Best Newcomer Female (Sonya Jehan), Best Artiste in Villainous Role (Pooja Batra), Best Action, Best Art Direction and Best Dialogue.

Another period film

Next, Khan will make Chengiz Khan. "I have not thought about the cast yet. I am still working on the cast. Most film-makers in Bollywood first think about the actors they are going to cast and then think about the story. I function in a reverse manner," he smiles.