His wife Lara and co-producer are keen that he star in their next production

Tennis ace Mahesh Bhupathi gears up for his acting debut in his next production, a collaboration between him and his Chalo Dilli co-producer Krishika Lulla.

He can do it!

Says a source, "Krishika and Mahesh's wife Lara are very keen that he act in their next home production, which will be directed by Shashant Shah.

The quartet had a wonderful time working on Chalo Dilli and want an encore.

Mahesh's tennis partner Leander Paes is already acting in a film and the women are confident that the suave and stylish Mahesh will make for a good hero or actor in a pivotal role."

That's not all. "In fact, Lulla has told Bhupathi that if he says yes, she is willing to act in the same film. Hesh has agreed and before shooting starts, the tennis star will be given a completely different image and styling."

Krishika confirms, "Yes we are persuading Mahesh to act in our next production. He's almost ready. It will be a drama-thriller this time. I won't star in it. I was just joking when I told him that. He fits the bill of the lead character in Shashant's next."

Krishika says she, Mahesh and Shashant are coming together again because they all share the same mindset when it comes to making a film and sending out a message.

"I loved the story in Chalo Dilli as I believe it touches reality because all of us travel and come across different kinds of people some even become your friends for life."

Paes' acting bug

Bhupathi's doubles' tennis partner Leander Paes is making his B-Town debut with Rajdhani Express where he plays a common man. Paresh Rawal plays the antagonist.

Rajdhani Express is a very realistic film based on the genre of A Wednesday and Rang De Basanti. Paresh represents the uncaring, indifferent system. Both the characters remain faceless to each other and yet are involved in a life-and-death situation.