||Bonding with so called 'Intellectuals' #CC 28 (IO) - Page 32

Aamir Khan's next will hit the big screen only on Christmas next year, but it has been making news for its casting decisions for a while now. The latest development is that TV actor Sakshi Tanwar " best-known for playing the role of Parvati in the hit TV show, Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii " has been finalised to play Aamir's wife in the film.

"Sakshi's part is interesting as well as challenging. Over 70 actresses were auditioned for the same role. Around 52 of them were from small towns across states like Haryana and Punjab. A few of them had television experience. But none of the auditioned actresses were known faces from Bollywood because the makers wanted an organic chemistry between Aamir and his on-screen wife," says an insider.

In fact, Aamir enacted scenes with all the 70 actresses when they auditioned for the part. "Generally, no big star would do that, but Aamir did it, since the idea was to gauge their body language, comfort level and look. After a lot of discussions and brainstorming sessions, the actor and the makers collectively took the call to cast Sakshi," adds the insider.

Although in the past, Sakshi has done a cameo in C Kkompany (2008), besides acting in a few small-budget films, director Nitesh Tiwari's movie will mark her big-ticket foray into Bollywood. "Before she starts shooting, Sakshi has to undergo intense training sessions to get the diction (Haryanvi), and body language right. She will also take cues from real-life Haryanvi couples, since the makers want a certain kind of comfort level between Aamir and her. They play the role of an aged couple," says the insider.

A few days back, rumours were also rife that Mallika Sherawat, who hails from Haryana, was eyeing the same role opposite Aamir, and reportedly had also auditioned for it. While we couldn't reach Aamir for a comment, the film's spokesperson