Ashutosh Gowariker returns to acting

Before he became a director, Ashutosh Gowariker was better known as an actor. And now after so many years, Ashutosh is going back to his first love. Once he wraps up Jodhaa Akbar, Ashutosh will act in good friend Renuka Shahane's debut directorial film, Rita.

Ashutosh will be returning to acting after more than a decade. The Ashutosh and Renuka friendship goes back 18 years ago when they met on the sets of a television serial called Circus. They even did a film appreciation course together from FTII, Pune. Renuka, who has been waiting for a while to get Ashutosh's dates, is happy that her film will finally go on floor. According to Renuka, Ashutosh was really amused when she approached him for the role. Renuka feels that he can essay the role of a man between the ages of 38 to 55 easily. Also she feels he has the quality of someone who can play a father as well as a lover. Once Ashutosh is back from the shoot, the finer details will be worked out.