Now confident to make more children s films: Nagesh Kukunoor

New Delhi April 14 (IANS) A Best Childrens Film honour at the 64th National Film Awards for his movie Dhanak has made Nagesh Kukunoor more confident about directing movies around children.

Known for portraying hard-hitting subjects through his films Kukunoor said here: At first I said that I don t want to make children s films. Then after 15 years I broke that promise with ‘Dhanak . The children in that film were a joy to work with.

Now I have the confidence to make more children s films.

Dhanak featured child actors Hetal Gadda and Krrish Chhabria in the lead.

Kukunoor spoke to the media here on Thursday at the launch of Ekta Kapoor s upcoming digital app ALTBalaji for which he has helmed a web-series titled The Test Case.

Featuring the acclaimed actress Nimrat Kaur in the lead it will focus on the life of a girl who works her way to take on a combat role in the Indian Army.

Talking about it Kukunoor said: The beauty of filmmaking is that I get to live different lives depending on which story I am doing. I go and invest time in that universe for a long period and that s what makes my job wonderful.

Ever since I worked with Rannvijay Singha in ‘Mod I have become very close to his family which has a lot people belonging to the Indian Army. I want to deal with this subject as honestly as possible.

Nimrat whose father was in the army is upbeat about the role.

On her preparations for the series she said: To play this part I needed to develop endurance physical strength and that capability to survive under severe conditions. I don t want to cheat myself and use body doubles. I personally felt of portraying this character who wants to be an army officer.

She said the show was challenging for her.

I am not trying to compete with men on the basis of physical strength but I want to be the strongest version of me. I tried my best to do whatever I could. It s been challenging and the most rewarding experience that I have been through Nimrat added.

Besides her the series will also feature veteran actress Juhi Chawla as defence minister.

The idea was the bring her for a cameo role but there is a very strong chance that as the series goes on we might keep writing more scenes for her Kukunoor said.

I have worked with Juhi a while back and was looking for some excuse to work with her again. So we cast her as minister he added.

--IANS
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