Bhandarkar signs Ajay,Emraan,Omi for Dil Toh Bachcha Hai Ji

By Bollywood Hungama -

May 22, 2010 - 12:00 AM IST

Bhandarkar signs Ajay,Emraan,Omi for Dil Toh Bachcha Hai Ji

Trust Madhur Bhandarkar to throw a surprise when one could least see it coming. With a run of critically acclaimed films that also saw commercial success coming their way, Bhandarkar was all set to jump into another hard hitting drama Heroine where Kareena Kapoor would be the leading lady. However, he recently announced the making of another film in the interim - Dil Toh Bachcha Hai Ji. Nothing wrong with that because it was meant to utilise the empty space he had between now and November when Heroine will go on floors.

However, what has really surprised is the fact that it is no 'stop-gap' arrangement where a small film with smaller stars is being made. Instead, it is a star studded affair where none other than - hold your breath - Ajay Devgn, Emraan Hashmi and Omi Vaidya (Chatur of 3 Idiots fame) have been signed.

While many filmmakers worth their salt would have had to wait for Ajay and Emraan for at least a year before they could have consented to the project (considering their own alternative industry and resultantly a super packed schedule), Bhandarkar has managed to rope them in at such a quick notice.

A romantic comedy, Dil Toh Bachcha Hai Ji [the title being based on the popular Gulzar written song from this year's release Ishqiya] would be a joint production of Bhandarkar Entertainment and Kumar Mangat. Incidentally, Kumar Mangat and Ajay Devgn share a great business and personal rapport for decades and have made number of films together, most recently Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge.

Bhandarkar, known for his intense dramas, is letting his hair down for Dil Toh Bachcha Hai Ji and would be working with an unusual cast of Ajay, Emraan and Omi for the first time in his more-than-a-decade long career.

"That's right. It doesn't get more unique than having actors as diverse as Ajay, Emraan and Omi together for a romcom", smiles Bhandarkar for whom it would be a challenge of a different kind to helm a film of this nature, "In any case, I always cast for a film as per who suits the character best. Regarding making a romom then well, I always wanted to make a subject of this kind. I am glad that before delving into Heroine, I would be completing Dil Toh Bachcha Hai Ji."

Looking at the fact that Ajay and Emraan would be seen in a hard hitting action drama set in 70s - Once Upon A Time In Mumbai - soon, it would be quite a contrast to see them doing something entirely different for Dil Toh Bachcha Hai Ji. Known for his knack of getting good performances by relative newcomers like Neil Nitin Mukesh (Jail) and Kunal Khemu (Traffic Signal) in the past, it won't be a surprise of Ajay, Emraan and Omi do end up coming up with something that would be entirely new for the fan base of them as well as Bhandarkar.

While the men in the film have been finalised, the leading ladies are yet to be zeroed in.

"We should be able to make an announcement around the girls in next few days. The shooting of Dil Toh Bachcha Hai Ji begins in July and wraps up by September. It is a film that would be completed in 55-60 days schedule. After that, I move into Heroine for which the writing process is on", concludes Bhandarkar.