Paresh Rawal's dream Maharathi ready

Mumbai: Paresh Rawal's popular Gujarati play Maharathi which was first staged in 1987 has finally been adapted into a film.

The film is a comic thriller and has stalwarts like Naseeruddin Shah, Om Puri, Boman Irani, Neha Dhupia & Tara Sharma.

Paresh Rawal is one happy man as his dream is about to be realised. The play that has been been with the actor for the last 21 years and seen over 700 performances, was also directed by him.

But when it came to showing the same talent on screen, he chose to do what he decided to play his cards wisely.

After all, though he excels in acting, his direction capabilities in the film medium are a bit suspect to him.

So, in steps director Shivam Nair.

"I have no experience (in film direction) and have neither assisted anybody. I have done a number of films but to go there and direct a film is a very difficult thing," said Rawal.

The film was earlier offered to Amitabh Bachchan but after Big B turned it down, it was actor Naseeruddin Shah who stepped into the shoes with elan and ease.

"He (Amitabh Bachchan) was supposed to do the film but then he thought that doing this kind of dramatic role or a negative role might go against his image. He has done some two films in the past which were not received well," said Rawal.

Naseeruddin Shah who plays the role of an alcoholic film producer in the film says he still gets the jitters when he has play a character like this.

"Playing a drunk has always been a challenge for me. I have always found it very difficult and have invariably failed. In fact early in my career I did a film where I fell into a lot of traps. But as of now, I am older and the wiser," said Naseeruddin Shah.

This comic thriller hits the screens on the December 5.

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