| Home
Nana Patekar to play Lord Krishna in 'Rajniti'
Calcutta News.Net
Saturday 10th May, 2008 (IANS)
Prakash Jha has accumulated a formidable cast of actors for his next directorial venture 'Rajniti' that blends contemporary Indian politics with chapters from the 'Mahabharata'.
'Ajay Devgan will play a modern day Karna. And, believe it or not, Nana Patekar, who was fantastic as the corrupt politician in 'Apaharan', has been cast as Lord Krishna,' Jha told IANS.
'Rajniti' will be the most expensive film Jha has ever produced.
Also in the cast are Viveik Oberoi and Manoj Bajpai. 'These are actors I've not worked with before. I'm looking forward to directing them.
'Ajay and Nana are old friends. We share a fantastic comfort level.'
In fact, recently the Marathi Nana and the Bihari Jha participated in a debate on the anti-north Indian campaign led by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray in Maharashtra on NDTV.
After the debate, Raj Thackeray apparently rang up Jha for presenting a balanced view.
'Raj is a friend and an intelligent, educated man. I truly believe artistes need to rise above politics. I make cinema on politics, but I'd never be part of it.
'Likewise Nana, who was so stunning as a wily politician in 'Apaharan', will I'm sure be equally adept at playing Krishna in my 'Rajniti',' said Jha, who has the politically charged film 'GangaaJal' to his credit.
The crucial question before Jha now is to find a suitable actor to play Arjun. The character, as conceived by Jha, modernises the mythological elements from the 'Mahabharata'.
Jha is thinking of roping in an upcoming superstar, who's currently being toasted as the most exciting actor since Shah Rukh Khan, to play the role. However, he didn't disclose the name.
'Yes, I've an ideal actor in mind for the role of Arjun.'
'Rajniti' won't be the first contemporary take on the 'Mahabharata'. Three decades ago, Shyam Benegal attempted to incorporate elements from the epic into contemporary entrepreneurship in the film 'Kalyug'.
Now Jha will blend mythology with Indian politics. Interestingly, earlier he wanted to film just the Draupadi section of the 'Mahabharata' with Madhuri Dixit in the lead. He shelved the idea when he heard other filmmakers were barking up the same tree.
 Email this story to a friend
Have your say on this story
|
 |
 |
- New Delhi airport runway not fully operational at night
New Delhi, July 4 (IANS) The new runway at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) here remains non-operational during peak hours at night causing congestion and delays at the airport, an official said Saturday. [read story]
- Missing Orissa legislator back, withdraws resignation
Bhubaneswar, July 4 (IANS) An Orissa legislator, missing for the last two weeks after resigning from the assembly, Saturday re-appeared and withdrew his resignation, saying that he had been forced to step down. [read story]
- Gujarat ready with contingency plan if rains elude
Gandhinagar, July 4 (IANS) Gujarat agriculture officials met here Saturday to discuss the impact of scanty rainfall on groundnut, cotton and other crops. The state has also readied a contingency plan in case the monsoon eludes till July 10. [read story]
- New companies bill set for budget session: Khursheed
New Delhi, July 4 (IANS) The new Companies Bill 2009, with stricter disclosure norms and provision for one-person corporate entity, will be tabled in the ongoing budget session of parliament, Corporate Affairs Minister Salman Khursheed said Saturday. [read story]
- IGNOU starts 'learning revolution' through 100 community colleges
New Delhi, July 4 (IANS) The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) Saturday started 100 community colleges to bring a 'learning revolution' among under-privileged students across the country. [read story]
|
|
 |
 |
|
|
