"I believe the audience always likes to see something unusual and different on screen. And a good story never fails to attract the audience to cinemas," he said at the director's master class session called "Meet The Director', organized by Indian Film and Television Directors' Association (IFTDA) and moderated by renowned film maker Sudhir Mishra.
The very first session on Sunday saw a packed house filled with aspiring film makers, students of direction, acting and script writing amongst many others as Rai shared his inspiration of being a film maker, journey from TV direction to film direction and experience of making "Tanu Weds Manu", "Raanjhanaa" and "Tanu Weds Manu Returns".
About the importance of narrating a story for film making, he said: "For a director it is most important factor whether the story can connect to the audience. If they appreciate the narrative, which makes the film successful that is an achievement for a filmmaker.
"If viewers are spending money for a film it is necessary to be sure for them if the film is worth for the expenditure. Other than the story, one more thing that catches everyone's attention is the actors featuring in the project."
There had been plenty of buzz with the news that Katrina Kaif might be the one of star with Shah Rukh Khan in Anand Rai's next. But he neither confirmed nor denied the news and declared that he is working on a script.
"I am a laid-back kind of director. It takes time for me to make a film. Currently I am working on a script, give me some time... will let you know in details later."