By Subhash K Jha

The reclusive cinematographer par excellence Baba Azmi has finally decided to direct a film.

And the one writing the script for Baba is none other than his illustrious brother-in-law Javed Akhtar. Says the reclusive Baba known for his astonishing camerawork in films like Hum Paamch. Tezaab, Prem and Mr India, "I've often wondered why I haven't directed a film so far. And the only answer I can come up with is, sheer laziness."

It was his sister Shabana and her husband Javed Akhtar who urged Baba to take the plunge. "Javed has written his first script since Farhan's Lakshya for me.

That's taken care of. Now I need to get the cast in place. Sadly there's no place for Shabana or my wife (the talented Tanvi Azmi) in my film."

Baba hasn't decided on a date when he 'll start. "Why should I restrain myself? I'll start whenever everything is in place."