Abhishek Sharma: 'Tere Bin Laden- Dead or Alive' a spin-off not a sequel

Bollywood director Abhishek Sharma says his upcoming venture, 'Tere Bin Laden- Dead or Alive' is more of a "spin-off" than a conventional sequel.

The 2010 comedy, 'Tere Bin Laden' revolved around a young reporter who makes a fake video of terrorist Osama Bin Laden using his look-alike.

"It's a spin-off. It is not a conventional sequel, we are not calling it part two... This is a new structure we are trying. Usually, people think innovations happen in art house cinema, but we have tried it with mainstream comedy," Sharma told reporters at the trailer launch of the movie.

The film stars actor Manish Paul in the lead role which was earlier played by Pakistani actor Ali Zafar, besides Piyush Mishra, Sikander Kher, Pradhuman Singh and actress Sugandha Garg.

Sharma said though Ali is not there in the film as it is different, but he will be seen in a "special role". "The journey of the character which Ali played has been fulfilled. Ali is playing a very special role which only he could've played it. I don't think he could've played what Manish is playing. The answer lies in the film. And when you see it, you won't miss Ali," he said.

Sharma recalled that he was a bit scared initially when he started directing.

"I was scared for the first two days. I felt a little out of place, because they knew each other well, had nick names for each other. But it was only for those two days, after that I didn't feel that I wasn't part of the first film.

The great time had started during the audition itself," he said.

Pradhuman, who plays the look-alike of Laden, said it was "easier" to play the role this time around. "I got more fame after the death of Osama in 2011," he added.

"Last time it was very difficult. I was new. Last time it was a Pakistani character... It is similar yet different but it was easier this time around.

"When the first film had come, I had become very famous, went to big parties, met stars and then six months later, it all died down. Then, after Osams's death, thanks to media, I was back. I started giving interviews. In all honesty, a little fame is ok," he said.

"Tere Bin Laden- Dead or Alive" is scheduled to release on February 19.