If she says yes, Africa will be Rani Mukerji's first full-fledged Bengali role

Two-time National Award winning director Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury is all set to sign Rani Mukerji for his next Bengali film, Africa.

Her only appearance, in father Ram Mukerji's Bong film Biyer Phool (1992) doesn't count, as it was a cameo. The actress has only acted in Hindi films since.

Says a source, "The director met the actress in Mumbai and gave her a story narration.

An excited Rani asked him to come to her with the completed script. Interestingly, while he is keen on Mukerji, he had also met Rituparna Sengupta, who is under the impression that she's in the film."

The source adds, "If the Hadippa actress signs on, it will be her first full-fledged role in a Bengali film.

He is visiting Mumbai again in the next couple of days for his next meeting with the actress. Africa is a female-centric film and if she signs on, she will play the lead role."

Says Chowdhury, "Yes, I did meet Rani. We've had discussions but nothing has been finalised.

I am still working on the script. It's too premature to talk about it. She is one of my favourite actresses! I would like to work with her."

Aniruddha says, "I plan on starting my Bengali film first and then the Hindi one next year.

I am working on three scripts, two by noted Bengali novelist Sunil Gangopadhyaya. Sunil's works include Dui Nari Haate Torowari and Ajaana Desh while Africa is my story.

I will be visiting Mumbai in the next few days to finalise preparations for my Hindi film."

Awarding Ways...

Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury's Anuranan won a National Award for Best Bengali Film while his Antaheen bagged four awards for Best Film, Best Lyrics, Best Cinematographer and Best Singer.