Javed Akhtar makes his acting debut

Awards show

Akhtar plays himself in the film. Deepshikha (another new addition) is hosting a show on awards for creative excellence in the corporate world. She invites Akhtar to give away the award for the business leader of the year.

Speaking to hitList at the Film City set, Akhtar said that he was not nervous while facing the camera.

"Nowadays, time and again, the electronic media invites me to comment on issues. Camera mein dekh kar dialogue bolne ki kaafi aadat si pad gayi hai."

Madhur is a friend

Madhur called Akhtar on Friday afternoon. "I couldn't believe Madhur wanted me to act in his film. I asked him if he was sure, though it didn't take me long to say yes to him. Actually, Madhur is a friend. I have seen all his films and think Page 3 was his best. He accomplished a rare feat by keeping the story going with so many characters around, yet every character kept its identity," Akhtar added.

Explaining Akhtar's selection, Bhandarkar explained, "To announce the award for the business leader of the year, I wanted a literary genius. Hence, I chose Javed saab." Akhtar's stint in Corporate required him to shoot for just two hours.

On the other hand, Deepshikha was informed about her part just a few hours before the shoot.

"I had expressed a desire of working with Bhandarkar when I saw Page 3; this has come as a pleasant surprise. His friend, Ashok Pandit,
sent me an SMS in the morning. Thereafter, Madhur called."

Huge cast

Corporate, produced by Sahara-Percept, stars Bipasha Basu, Kay Kay Menon, Raj Babbar, Harsh Chhaya, Achint Kaur, Sammir Dattani, Payal Rohatgi, among at least 30 others. The film is 50 per cent ready and scheduled for an April 2006 release.