MUMBAI, Jan 21: Bollywood actor Taheer Shabbir considers himself extremely lucky to be a part of Neeraj Pandey-backed “Naam Shabana” as it is a huge learning opportunity for him.
The actor was last seen in “Fan” in the role of a rising star who is bullied by Shah Rukh Khan’s character, Gaurav in a vanity van.
“I feel blessed to be a part of the project. I just auditioned for 10 minutes and it happened. There was no nonsense, no politics, which has happened with me in the past. This was a pure set up based on merit,” Taheer said.
The film, earlier titled “Meera”, will be a part of the Akshay Kumar-starrer “Baby” franchise. It will be helmed by Shivam Nair, best known for “Ahista Ahista.”
The actor says it is amazing how two filmmakers are attached to the project yet there is no interference from each other.
“It’s beautiful how Shivam and Neeraj Sir work together. There’s so much respect. He respects his writing, he respects his direction. They both work in tandem and it makes the environment fantastic to work,” he said.
“Naam Shabana” stars Taapsee Pannu in the lead and also features Akshay in a cameo. The film is titled after the undercover name of Taapsee’s character in “Baby”, Shabana Kaif.
“The film is about Taapsee but the beauty of being part of a project which has people like Manoj Bajpayee, Akshay Kumar and Anupam Kher, is amazing. It is a learning experience when you have such talents working in one film together,” Taheer said.
Apart from this, the actor is also excited for his co-production “Hanuman Da Damdaar”, an animated film which has Salman Khan’s voiceover.
“Ashley Rebello (costume designer) had said there is a role in Sultan, you do it. But by that time Amit Sadh had already been tested for it. I wished I got to do it but I was very happy that Amit did it, because he is like a brother to me.”
“But we are producing a film called ‘Hanuman Da Damdaar’ which has Salman’s voice over. So I am happy that if not acting with him, I am at least doing this.” (AGENCIES)
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