Meanwhile, writer-actor Manu Rishi had to put on nine kilos for his role in an upcoming anti-war film

Writing remains his first love but when the camera beckoned, Manu Rishi was ready to push the limits. After all, he added nine kilos to his girth despite recently joining the gym to shed extra kilos, to fit the character in his upcoming film.

Manu Rishi, who is known for writing the dialogues of Dibakar Banerjee's Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!, has not only written the dialogues but also played a role of a rotund Lahore-born Indian soldier in his forthcoming film based on post-Partition border drama.

The project also marks Vijay Raaz's directorial debut and sees him playing a Delhi-born Pakistani soldier. `We are like Laurel and Hardy in the film,` Manu says referring to Vijay's rather thin frame.

Butter chicken ki kasam

On being asked whether it was easy to put on weight, Manu points to his sedentary lifestyle as a writer. `I was 78 kgs and had recently joined the gym to get back into shape. But then this script came my way where I was supposed to be fatter than I already am!

I had no choice but to quit exercising and concentrate on bingeing. Our producer Karan (Arora) 'helped' me a lot in gaining weight with his constant supply of butter chicken and beer,` he quips.