I wasn't aware of Rajiv Khandelwal's star status: director

New Delhi, May 16 (IANS) Debutant director Rajkumar Gupta is all praise for Rajiv Khandelwal who stars in his upcoming thriller 'Aamir', but says he wasn't aware of the TV actor's star status when they met for the first time.

'I was not much of a TV buff and so I was not aware of Rajiv's star status when I first met him through a common friend. But once I spoke to him, I realised he is a really nice person and a good actor too,' Gupta told IANS on phone from Mumbai.

Gupta's directorial debut 'Aamir', which is slated for release June 6, is the journey of a London-based young doctor in the mean streets of Mumbai. He claims that this small-budget film would prove to be 'a compelling, moving and overall an entertaining film'.

'If someone wants a breather from the mindless and senseless films that are in the industry nowadays, I would say that the person would really like 'Aamir'.'

The film marks the debut of not only the director and Rajiv but also wildlife cinematographer Alphonse Roy in Bollywood and introduces music director Amit Trivedi.

It is also the first production of Spot Boy, UTV's second motion picture company.

Isn't working with too many beginners a risk?

'I don't consider it a risk. In fact, for me, it has been more of an advantage rather than a disadvantage. We are all accomplished in our own fields,' said Gupta who had earlier assisted ace director Anurag Basu in 'No Smoking' and 'Black Friday'.

Gupta has shot 'Aamir' in real locations amid the hustle-bustle of Mumbai and says Roy has successfully captured his vision on camera.

'Since the backdrop of the film is Mumbai, it is an important character for the film. I wanted someone who could make the city look as real as possible since we were not shooting on sets. Alphonse was the perfect choice,' he said.

Gupta extensively shot with hidden cameras at crowded locations in Mumbai like Bhindi Bazaar, Crawford Market, Jacob Circle, Bandra Masjid and Dharavi.

'It was difficult and challenging to shoot at these locations with the public crowding around everywhere, but it was a very fascinating experience.'

Copyright  IANS

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