Katrina Kaif shoots with SRK after 5 years and fans can't keep calm

Yesterday, Katrina Kaif began shooting for Aanand L Rai's Shah Rukh Khan-starrer. She posted a picture from the set on Instagram and wrote, "First day of shoot with the incredible Aanand Rai and @iamsrk (super excited to be shooting with him after five years). Here's to putting our hearts and souls into creating a wonderful movie together."

As the film is untitled yet, there has been speculation about the name. What has added to the buzz is that SRK's production house, Red Chillies, recently registered the titles: Batla, Bauna, Dwarf and Zero. Khan plays a dwarf in the film. We think Rai could do better and avoid a politically incorrect title for the short-statured.

Earlier, while speaking exclusively to mid-day, director Aanand L Rai admitted that Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan's popularity has been affected due to his last dud, but he is confident that his dwarf drama will set things straight.

Also read: Aanand L Rai: I know how to win back Shah Rukh Khan's fans

"Khan saab and I hardly speak about anything beyond food and movies. He doesn't have a large appetite though, but, I think I will end up changing that about him. He will also bring about some or the other change in me," smiles director Aanand L Rai, as he speaks about his equation with Shah Rukh Khan, the leading man of his next. The yet untitled project, which sees Khan reuniting with leading ladies Anushka Sharma and Katrina Kaif, has been much in news for the fact that it sees the superstar in a truly never-seen-before role - Khan will be seen playing a dwarf in the drama.

This marks Rai's first collaboration with Khan and the director is glad that the actor gave a nod to his script. "He is the best actor I could have got for the film. He is the source of strength for all of us. And he asks us to chill and enjoy. He says ki khaatey peetey film ban jayegi."

As he speaks warmly about the actor, one can't help but broach the subject of the box-office failure of Shah Rukh Khan's last release, Jab Harry Met Sejal. Does that increase the pressure on him? "Not at all," he asserts, before adding, "I filter it out, and replace it with excitement. We are aware that his films haven't worked. It's there in front of us, we can't deny that. Box-office collections don't affect him as much. Bank account deposits is the last thing on his mind. What affects him is that he might be losing the love of people."

Having said that, Aanand L Rai is confident that his film will give the audience what they have been seeking from an SRK film. "With our film, I know I will rectify his relationship with the audience. I can sense what people are seeking. I will be honest to my craft and will work hard for my audience. I won't let the reactions to his last films cloud my head right now. I am here to deliver and I will do a damn good job of it. Right now, we are having fun at work and I won't let anything change that," he says, enthusiastically.

Also see: Kareena Kapoor Khan looks in fab shape after weight loss! See photos