He may be the first choice for English language films in India, but not one to rest on his laurels, Rahul Bose is now doing a Bengali movie.

"I've signed a film with Buddhadeb Dasgupta. It doesn't have a title yet. But much of everything else is in place already," reveals Bose in an interview.

After "Mr & Mrs Iyer", he has just completed a second English-language film with a woman director. It's called "White Noise" and is directed by the gifted Vinta Nanda who moulded the karma of satellite television with the hit soap "Tara".

"I like to work with groundbreakers, men or women. Like Aparna Sen, Vinta Nanda is her own person, no doubt about it. Working with her in 'White Noise' was a rewarding experience, I have to admit that," says Rahul who has just returned from another trip to the US.

Jet-lagged and yet raring to get out of his home, Rahul is the ultimate actor of the diaspora. Most of his best works are in the English language.

But Rahul is constantly searching for ways to expand his horizon. Hence the frequent trips abroad where his second directorial venture, a completely international film with no Indian actors, is on the verge of being finalised.

"I've to grow. Growth is my main thrust as an actor and a film person. I can't be happy as the first choice for English language Hindi films. There has to be more to me than that.

"That's why I say Buddhadeb's film has come at the right time. It's a new language and a sensibility I've never done before. Actually I've been a fan of Buddhadeb's films for a while. I really liked his last film 'Tale Of A Naughty Girl'.

"I like the way he tells his story. I like his feel for the magic within his characters. He says, beyond a point there's no film without magic. I agree. My film with Buddhadeb has a touch of the surreal. That's again new for me. I've done a spot of surreal in Dev Benegal's 'English, August' and of course my film 'Everybody Says I'm Fine' was pretty surrealistic."

Dasgupta's film focuses on a father-son relationship. Mithun Chakraborty plays Rahul Bose's father. "A very interesting combination, don't you think?" Rahul smiles.

"Outwardly we are as dissimilar as chalk and cheese. But Mithun isn't only about commercial cinema. I quite like how he has returned to his Bengali art house roots over the years. If he started with Mrinal Sen's 'Mrigaya', then he returned to Bengali cinema again recently in Rituparno Ghosh's 'Titli'. I liked his performance in that film. I like his sense of adventure. I think Mithun and I will make an interesting father-son pair. It would be a process of discovery for both of us."

Does Rahul's Bengali need brushing up? "I don't know. But when I spoke Bengali with Buddhadeb Dasgupta, he said it was okay. Only the diction needs a little brushing up. I'm quite excited about the film. I don't see it just as a homecoming for the Bengali boy, but also an occasion to go beyond what I've done so far."

Rahul has also been signed to star in Khalid Mohamed's next film, to be produced by Vashu Bhagnani. "I start shooting for Buddhadeb Dasgupta in the beginning of November. It brings me to Kolkata for a longish stint. I am looking forward to catching up with friends."

Contrary to rumours, Rahul isn't playing the lead in Mira Nair's "The Namesake". Nor is Bipasha Basu cast opposite him in Buddhadeb Dasgupta's film.