By Manissha Despaande, Bollywood Trade News Network

Close on the heels of Mahesh Bhatt’s WOH LAMHE (to be directed by Mohit Suri) based on the tragic life of Parveen Babi and the conflicting relationships she shared, daughter Pooja Bhatt is all set to make a film with shades of Babi’s character in a film titled AKELAPAN. Pooja has tentatively confirmed Pakistani actress, Meera to play the central character in the film. The actress, who shares a close bonding with the Bhatts was at one stage being considered to play the role of Parveen Babi in WOH LAMHE but the role eventually went to Kangna Raut, after Bipasha refused to play it. Says Pooja, “The film is not based on Parveen Babi’s life as is being perceived, but it does have shades of her character. In essence, it is the story of an actress who’s passed her prime and is desperate to make it in the world of showbiz. Beneath the glitter and glamour, there’s always a harsh truth in the world of showbiz that comes to the fore once actors have passed their prime. I felt Meera would be the ideal choice for the role considering that she too is eager to make a success of her career in films. In that respect she will give all the honesty and the conviction that the role deserves.”

The film will also have a young actor opposite Meera. “We are looking at casting someone like Emmi (Emraan Hashmi) who will be perfect for the role but we are yet to take a decision on that,” Pooja reveals. Papa Mahesh Bhatt is writing the film set against the backdrop of Bollywood. “He is the best person to write such a film dealing with the film considering the fact that he has seen the industry from close quarters. In fact the title, AKELAPAN, is also his brain wave,” Pooja adds.

She is however yet to take a decision on directing the film. “I am certainly producing it but I am not sure whether I will direct it myself or sign someone else,” she says. However she is confident that the film will be a second launching for Meera with the way her character will be portrayed in the film. “If I could style Dino and give him an altogether new identity in HOLIDAY, there’s no reason why I cannot re-package Meera and launch her all over again,” she smiles, adding that the previews of HOLIDAY that she has been holding for select sections of the trade, have got Dino an excellent response so far.

AKELAPAN is scheduled to take off in a few months from now.