24 January,2017 08:20 AM IST | | Sonil Dedhia
Shahid Kapoor encourages younger brother Ishaan Khattar who makes his debut with filmmaker Majid Majidi's next 'Beyond the Clouds'; arrives for morning mahurat shot
Shahid Kapoor, Ishaan Khattar and Majid Majidi; (inset) A R Rahman. Pic/Pradeep Dhivar
Not everyone makes their cinema debut in a Majid Majidi film. Shahid Kapoor's half-brother Ishaan Khattar is the lucky one. This morning, the award-winning director and crew gathered at Colaba's Mukesh Mills for the first shot of 'Beyond the Clouds'. Shahid and Ishaan's mother, Neelima was there to support her sons, as was AR Rahman.
It was a big day for Shahid Kapoor, as half brother, Ishaan Khattar, made his acting debut with celebrated Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi's 'Beyond The Clouds'. The film's mahurat was canned at Colaba's Mukesh Mills. Production designer Mansi Dhruv Mehta converted the mill into a lane litered with car workshops.
Ishaan looked a bit nervous, but was happy that his entire family, including parents Neelima Azeem and Rajesh Khattar, and elder brother Shahid, were present for his big day, "I can't say much about the film, but I am glad that people who matter to me are around," he told hitlist.
Shahid seemed excited. "I don't think Ishaan could have asked for a better debut. Majidi is one of the best directors in the world, and I am really happy that Ishaan is working with him," he said.
Sasha met Majidi and thanked him for casting his brother. He also praised the filmmaker and said he was a big fan of his work. In return, the Iranian filmmaker told Shahid that he had seen the trailer of his upcoming film, 'Rangoon', and he wants to watch the movie.
Known for the critically acclaimed 'Children Of Heaven' (1997), 'The Color of Paradise' (1999) and 'Baran' (2001), Majidi has been frequenting India for two years to finalise suitable locations and cast for his Hindi movie.
"It's a big day for me because I've been wanting to make a film in this land of marvels for many years. There are a lot of similarities between Iran and India; that's why I wanted to work here. My cinema has received good reception from Indians. Finally, I'm in Mumbai with a lovely team to narrate a story woven around the lives of common people," said Majidi.
While a female lead for the film is yet to be finalised, Majidi says he is proud of Ishaan. "He is a talented guy, and I am sure he will become a big actor in Bollywood."
Celebrated composer AR Rahman, who collaborated with the filmmaker in his last film, 'Muhammad: The Messenger of God' (2015), will compose the music for 'Beyond The Clouds'.
"His films have always influenced filmmakers in India. Down south, I hear his name every 10 minutes from aspiring filmmakers. I have worked in Hollywood and Indian cinema, and I always wished to work on Iranian films. I am glad I am working with Majidi again," said Rahman.
