In May, mid-day had reported that actor-producer Aamir Khan had greenlit a movie that would be headlined by son Junaid Khan, with a portion of it to be shot in Japan (Land of the rising son, May 4). The yet-untitled love story, which marks the star son’s third outing after Yash Raj Films’ Maharaja and Aamir Khan Productions’ Pritam Pyare, went on floors at a Powai studio yesterday.

A source reveals, “For the first day, director Sunil Pandey had lined up some scenes featuring Junaid and leading lady Sai Pallavi. They made an early start, wrapping up work by evening. A fortnight before the project rolled, the makers did an elaborate photoshoot with Junaid at Mehboob Studios in Bandra.”

The film was originally supposed to roll in Japan. However, the team had to rework the plan. The source adds, “Japan is too cold to shoot right now. So, the first schedule will be canned entirely in Mumbai. Sunil, who has also directed Pritam Pyare, plans to shoot over the next fortnight before calling for a break. The team will then resume work in January.”

Junaid will make his Bollywood debut next year with Maharaja.

Laal Singh Chaddha may be his all-important project right now, but you can count on Aamir Khan to be just as involved in his other productions. In early May, he flew out to Rajasthan to shoot a cameo for his production, Pritam Pyare, which is led by actor-son Junaid Khan. The web series rolled in Lucknow, followed by a schedule in the Jhunjhunu district in the desert state.

Word is that the project is being helmed by one of the superstar’s associates from Aamir Khan Productions. “Aamir joined Junaid and the team in Rajasthan on May 1. He shot for a song, and some hospital scenes in Bagar over the week. Aamir, Junaid and co-actor Sanjay Mishra filmed their portions near the heritage property, Grand Haveli and Resort, located in old Nawalgarh. Some scenes were also canned around the Koolwal Kothi hotel in the city,” reveals a source.

It is heard that the superstar’s cameo influences the narrative of the quirky, small-town drama. Besides the web series, Junaid has Maharaja in his kitty, which marks his Bollywood debut.

mid-day reached out to Aamir’s team, who refused to comment.