A biopic of has long fascinated filmmaker Anurag Basu, and for good reason. The late singer and actor greatly influenced Hindi cinema’s music landscape.
While Ranbir Kapoor was initially attached to lead the biopic, recent rumours suggested that Aamir Khan would step into the shoes of the maverick artiste. So, as we caught up with the filmmaker, we asked if he was indeed set to direct Khan on his passion project. “No comment,” he chuckled, before adding, “Until everything is finalised and the contract is signed, I don’t think I should speak on it.”
Basu’s long-cherished project has gone through an eventful journey, with the makers earlier struggling to get the approval of Kumar’s kin for the story. “This project went through a lot of ups and downs. So, I’m keeping my fingers crossed that it happens this time and I go on set with the story, which I’ve been trying to tell for the last decade. So, I won’t jinx it by speaking about it.”
Ranbir Kapoor; (right) Anurag Basu. Pics/Yogen Shah, mid-day archives, AFP, Instagram
Rumours have also surfaced about his reunion with , who led his past offerings Jagga Jasoos (2017) and Barfi (2012). The director is hopeful of a third outing, as he said, “I hope it happens soon. Woh aadat bohot kharab kar deta hai [he spoils you a lot]. We keep talking about working together again.” When not talking films, the duo talks about Kapoor’s lifestyle brand. “He has gifted me a pair of shoes again. Pehli baar galat size bheje thhe,” Basu laughed.