The upcoming film Chalk n Duster, presented by Surani emphasises on establishing Pictures, teaching as one of the most dignified and ethical professions. Today, the nobility of the vocation is fast losing its value. With this outing, director Jayant Gilatar has decided to take on the current education scenario to make people aware about the plight of teachers and educationists in our country. The film, produced by Amin Surani, highlights the drawbacks and the hardships that teachers face in the present education system. “Chalk n Duster has a strong concept and will touch you deeply. It is a fresh story about issues which an individual can relate to easily. I was fortunate enough to get six powerful women of our industry - Shabana Azmi, Juhi Chawla Mehta, Divya Dutta, Upasna Singh, Zarina Wahab and Richa Chadha to be a part of my film,“ says the director. The movie, that releases worldwide on January 15, also stars Girish Karnad, Samir Soni, Aarya Babbar, Jackie Shroff and Rishi Kapoor, who will be seen in a special appearance.

Rishi Kapoor, who was last seen in Umesh Shukla's comedy-drama All is Well, will share screen space with actresses Juhi Chawla and Shabana Azmi in Jayant Gilatar's upcoming film, Chalk N Duster, which will see him in a special appearance as a quiz master.

The role, which was initially offered to Shah Rukh Khan and Manoj Bajpayee, but was tuned down by both the actors owing to prior commitments, eventually landed in Rishi's lap, on Shabana's appeal. The actress had requested to meet the actor and recalls the comforting response he gave her upon the discussion. “Lo yeh baat hai? Main samjha koi gambhir baat hogi! Of course I'll do it,“ Rishi had said, before hopping on board without asking any further questions.

“He teases Juhi endlessly on sets,“ says Azmi, adding that the senior Kapoor maintains a casual, but respectful demeanour with actors Divya Dutta and Arya Babbar.

Shabana has been a friend to Rishi and wife Neetu for several years, and adds that even today, their families are involved in each other's projects. “My mother Shaukat Kaifi used to work with Chintu's grandfather Prithviraj Kapoor, and now, Ranbir is the Goodwill Ambassador of my NGO,“ says the actress, adding that Zoya too had directed Rishi in her first film, Luck by Chance.

Director Jayant, who has previously worked as an assistant director in films like Gharana and Sindoor, which featured Rishi, is delighted to be casting the actor in his film. “Rishi sir brings a lot of energy on the set and his role is crucial to the climax of the film,“ he says, add ing that they have completed 80 per cent of the dubbing and are looking at a December release.

Shooting with the actor commenced at SJ Studios in Mumbai on Thursday, and is expected to wrap up on Saturday.

Juhi Chawla and Shabana Azmi, along with actors Jackie Shroff, Anupam Kher, Zarina Wahab and Divya Dutta, have joined hands to support Bollywood's well-known makeup artiste Subhash Singh's maiden production venture, Chalk n Duster.

The film, also produced by Sonali Singh, is a coming of age story , dealing with the life of teachers - the hardships they have to face, keeping up with the ever-changing education system and societal norms. It also promises to entice the audience in finding superlatives for the wonderful phenomenon we call teaching.

Juhi and Shabana were reportedly so moved by the poignant story that they decided to do the film. Directed by Jayant Gilatar, it is an out-and-out commercial venture with a socially relevant message.

Arya Babbar, Upasana Singh and Ritu Shivpuri also play prominent roles in the film, which is written by Ranjeev Varma. It has background music by Sandesh Shandilya and lyrics by the seasoned Javed Akhtar.

Chalk n Duster, produced by S3 Creations, goes on floors today.