Shahid, who is working with Alia Bhatt in "Shaandaar", said it was he who convinced her to be part of the project.
"We were trying to make 'Udta Punjab' for a year but no one wanted to do it as it is a dark film. I told Alia that there is a role which in my understanding is one of the finest roles for a female actor," Shahid told reporters here last evening at an event.
It was within two days when Alia gave her nod to the project which also stars Shahid's ex-girlfriend Kareena Kapoor Khan.
"She (Alia) read the script and called me crying as she was moved by the film. She agreed to do the film and it is very brave on her part.
"There are very few actresses who like to step out of their skin and not worry about looking good and play the character. I was very proud of her that she said yes to the film. She has been making some brave choices," he said.
"Udta Punjab" is an upcoming thriller film, directed by Abhishek Chaubey and produced by Phantom Films and Balaji Motion Pictures. It tells the story of substance abuse in the Indian state of Punjab.
Even director-producer Vikas Bahl was toying with the idea of narrating the script of "Udta Punjab" to Alia but it was Shahid who made the "Highway" actress read the script.
"Doing this film was a big deal for me. I am an adorer of him ever since I saw 'Ishq Vishk'. He has cute dimples, he is a very good dancer and an actor. He has a happy vibe," she said.
