By Subhash K Jha

Though her hand is in a sling because of a fractured wrist Shabana Azmi this week began shooting for her very old and dear friend and colleague Anil Kapoor's prestigious television serial 24.

The actress is very close to Boney and Anil Kapoor. Boney and Shabana were in college together and Anil has always looked up to Shabana as a mentor and a role-model.

At the beginning of his career Anil played Shabana's student in Ek Baar Kaho. It was his ardent wish to one day invite Shabana to be part of one of his productions. In 24 he offered Shabana a very powerful role.

Confirming her presence in the serial Shabana says, `I play Anil's replacement in the anti-terrorist unit.After he goes missing I take charge of the unit. What makes it exciting is that it's a gender-free role.`


Adds Anil Kapoor excitedly, `Shabana is playing a very important role in 24.She replaces my character, that is Jai Singh Rathore, when I am unable to carry out my duties.`

The formidable actress had once before done fiction on television. She played the lead in a soap called Anupama ten years ago. Since then Shabana stayed away from television.

She was tempted back to television by Anil Kapoor whom she confesses she cannot say no to.