Actor Vardhaan Puri would unite with Shekhar Kapur, 35 years after the birth of the iconic villain character Mogambo, curated by the filmmaker with the former’s grandfather the late Amrish Puri.

“The news is indeed true,” confirms Vardhaan, adding, “I find it very exciting that after collaborating with my Dadu in 1987 on Mr. India and creating the iconic character of Mogambo, now I am going to be associating with Shekhar sir’s beautiful mind, body and soul. It’s a big responsibility and I want to make him proud.”

The two would work on a medical drama/thriller Next To God, which would go on floors later this year. “It is inspired by the true incidents of abuse and violence that real Indian doctors have experienced. It speaks about the urgent need for safety in the medical fraternity. Shekhar sir is mentoring me and the film,” Vardhaan shares.

Ask him if there is any pressure on uniting with the senior filmmaker and he replies, “I don’t take any pressure. It messes with my sense of creativity. I am just constantly seduced by the film’s story and characters.”

He clarifies that the filmmaker and him have bonded well. “Even though Shekhar sir is senior to me and so much more experienced, we are good friends. We usually discuss ideas, life, cinema, and food. Shekhar sir is constantly curious like a child, forever learning, and embraces any change and innovation like a boss - something I find so inspiring. Dadu and he shared a great camaraderie and Dadu would always refer to him as a 'genius'.”

During a conversation we had while playing table tennis recently, “Shekhar sir told me, ‘Mr. India is what it is because of what Amrish Ji made from Mogambo. I asked him to perform Mogambo like one would perhaps perform Shakespeare for 8–10-year-old children, and he followed my instructions so perfectly and made the character immortal.’ How gracious of him to say this,” Vardhaan states.

Rumour also has it that actress Manisha Koirala would headline the medical drama. While Manisha did not respond to our queries, Vardhaan mentions, “At this point, all I can say is that Manisha Ji is one of my favourite actors of all time, and who would not want to work with her? She was so nuanced and so effortless in Heeramandi. I will be working along with a stellar cast that will soon be announced.”