by Subhash K Jha

Om Jai Jagdish has come and gone. Anupam Kher is now on to his second directorial venture. And it will be an absolute departure from what he attempted the first time.

"The audience is going to have a ball watching this film, and I'm sure I'll have a great time directing it. It's written by Patrick Biswas and me.

He also co-wrote my other film The Return (in English) which I plan to direct for Yashraj Fiilms in New York. Patrick is very talented. But he needs to be motivated. And I think I provide him with the right incentive."

So will it be a film about the homosexual community, as the title suggests? "Right now I'm not saying anything about the subject matter. Happy & Gay (the title will be altered) will be a film about the relationship between two people. It's a fascinating hardcore commercial film.

You know until the 'gay-isms' began, 'happy and gay' was a state of mind rather than a statement on sexuality. Today if you wish someone a 'gay new year' he will probably feel you're implying something."

Happy & Gay will be directed next year... "When I complete some of my pending acting assignments which will take me right up to the end of this year.

Anupam starts casting as soon as he zeroes in on the right faces. "All I can tell you is, Happy & Gay will require a male and female lead. I won't be part of the cast, just direct it.

There's no role for me in Happy & Gay, as there was no role for me in my first directorial film Om Jai Jagdish. I find it very difficult to act and direct together. I know others can do it. I can't."