I will get back to acting soon: Nagesh Kukunoor

New Delhi, Mar 27 (PTI) Nagesh Kukunoor, who played
the lead debut in self-directed "Hyderabad Blues," may soon
make a comeback to the world of acting by taking some time out
of his commitments in film making.

Known for his out-of-the box films like "Dor", "Iqbal"
and "Teen Deewarain", Kukunoor said that his first love will
always be direction though he also likes to work in front of
the camera.

"The project should suit me and it should not infringe
on my directorial duties. I love acting and I would surely
like to face the camera one of these days," Kukunoor told PTI
during a telephonic interview from Mumbai.

When asked whether he would only act in films directed
by himself, Kukunoor said, "I would like to write the part but
it could be directed by anyone."

Kukunoor played an NRI, who faces cultural shock after
returning to India in his first film "Hyderabad Blues". Shot
on a shoe-string budget, it became one of the most successful
independent films.

The 41-year-old filmmaker kept making appearances in
his directorial ventures, including a full fledged role in his
second film "Rockford" which also starred Nandita Das. His
other acting credentials include small roles in films such as
"Dor" and "Teen Deewarein".

Kukunoor's upcoming supernatural thriller "8x10
Tasveer", is slated to hit the theatres on April 3.

The movie stars Akshay Kumar, Ayesha Takia, Sharmila
Tagore, Girish Karnad, Anant Mahadevan and Benjiman Gilani in
key roles.

"8X10 Tasveer" is a murder mystery featuring Akshay
Kumar as a man with supernatural powers.

The film will mark Kukunoor's entry into the
commercial arena of film making as the director is otherwise
known for dishing out unconventional fare, different from the
usual Bollywood style.

When asked about his venture into mainstream cinema,
Kukunoor said, "As a director I have never wished to confine
myself to any particular style of filmmaking. I want to
explore different genres and my latest film is one small step
in this direction. I want to challenge myself each time."

Kukunoor who has written the scripts for most of his
films said that he gives himself 30 days to develop the first
draft of a story, and if unable to meet the deadline, he
leaves the project.

"8X10 Tasveer", which is a murder-mystery, is also
written by the director.

"The idea to make a film like Tasveer came out of the
blue. I was just looking at some old photographs and thought
what if someone had the power to know about the people in the
photographs. The idea struck me so much that I decided to
develop a story around it," Kukunoor said.

Talking about casting Akshay in the lead, the director
said, "Akshay fit the role completely and he has the caliber
to justify the script. I am not averse to taking A-list actors
in my films if they are willing to do justice to my story."

When asked whether Kukunoor was returning to NRI
stories as his latest film is based in Canada, the director
replied in the negative saying, "I have based the film in
Canada as the script demanded a different background."

His ambitious project "Ashayein" starring John Abraham
is also slated to release in June this year after much delay.

"I wish the film had released earlier but it was
delayed due to a host of reasons beyond my control. But I hope
that it connects with the audiences and finds commercial
success at the box-office," said Kukunoor.

The director is also working on another film "Yeh
Hausala", the title of which is derived from a song from his
film "Dor".

"Ashayein was a conscious decision but this time it is
just a co-incident that the title comes from the song from
'Dor'," he added. PTI BK
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