Zeeshan takes the story ahead
Roshmilla Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 25, 2014)

Mirror (October 16) had earlier announced that an official remake of Sai Paranjpye's cult classic Katha is on the cards. The film is being directed by critic-filmmaker-author Khalid Mohamed, with Sai playing his mentor.

Now, Mirror has learnt that Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub has been finalised for the role of Rajaram P Joshi, the clerk who is too shy to express his feelings for his neighbour. The actor has been applauded for his role as Dhanush's friend in Raanjhanaa but for Khalid it was a scene in Shahid that convinced him that Zeeshan could pull off the role played by Naseeruddin Shah.

"In many families I've seen the elder brother helping out a younger sibling financially without it seeming like a sacrifice. Zeeshan got the reaction abslutely right in Shahid," remembers Khalid, who later texted Sonam Kapoor asking her about her Raanjhanaa co-star. "She replied saying he was the best actor in the world."

Zeeshan turned out to be a serious introvert. Since Khalid didn't want a grouchy Rajaram, he tickled him during a photo shoot. Then, noticing he had problems emoting for the still camera, pulled some funny faces to loosen him up.

"Sohum Shah, who steps into the shoes of the late Farooq Shaikh to play the flamboyant Bashudev, who leaves Sandhya pregnant, is an extrovert. I needed someone to balance him, without coming across as a lesser actor. I hope Zeeshan will be able to pull off his first lead role," says Khalid, who has yet to find his Sandhya. "I want an actress with an element of glamour, someone worth fighting over."

Anjum Rizvi who's putting together the project is upbeat about Zeeshan. "You can't compare him with Naseer saab but he's a good actor who suits the character. Katha needs a fresh casting, not stars" he reasons.

But won't the lack of big names affect its commercial viability? He retorts, "No, Katha's content and brand is its biggest USP."