On Sunday, Ramesh Sippy went behind the camera after almost two decades. The director whose last film was the 1995 release, Zamana Deewana, starring Shah Rukh Khan and Raveena Tandon, is now helming Shimla Mirchi, a rom-com with a twist, featuring Hema Malini, Rajkummar Rao and Rakul Preet Singh.

Speaking to Mirror from the hill station, an excited Sippy said, “It feels good to be back. It's the same old madness and the hustle bustle of getting things done. Thank God, the weather is holding up well.“

The shoot flagged off on Shimla's famous Mall Road with Rajkummar frantically scanning the streets for the woman he has fallen in love with. It was the producer-director's son Rohan Sippy who delivered the good news to him, recalls Rajkummar.

“I enjoyed the script but the real honour is being directed by a legend like Ramesh sir. He could throw his weight around but instead he is so down-to-earth and humble. We had workshops with him before we left for Shimla, so there is complete clarity and shooting is smooth. Even the locals are only approaching us for photographs and autographs between shots,“ marvelled Rajkummar who is eagerly waiting for Hema Malini to join the unit. “We met during the workshops and she's sweet, intelligent and very beautiful.“

The filmmaker is also lookimg forward to collaborating with the Dream Girl after 39 years and three blockbusters, Andaz, Seeta Aur Geeta and Sholay. “She's my lucky mascot,“ asserts Sippy, whose films have often been described as way ahead of their time.

Andaz revolved around a widow and widower attempting a second chance at happiness. While Sholay's Jai and Veeru were two robbers waging a desperate war desperate war against the diabolocal daku Gabbar Singh to avenge a one-armed policeman.

Buzz is, this is a love triangle involving a mother and daughter. The filmmaker refuses to confirm or deny this.