Actor Abhishek Bachchan describes Mani Ratnam as a "cinematic genius" and urges movie lovers to grab a copy of film critic Baradwaj Rangan's book "Conversations With Mani Ratnam" and read it.

"I have just finished reading 'Conversations With Mani Ratnam' by Baradwaj Rangan. If you enjoy cinema, then you must try and get a copy of the book. A great insight into the mind of someone I consider a cinematic genius," tweeted Abhishek.

Abhishek has been part of three of his films - "Yuva" (2004), "Guru" (2007) and 2010 film "Raavan".

Ratnam, 56, is known for his landmark Tamil movies like "Mouna Raagam" (1986), "Nayagan" (1987), "Anjali" (1990) and "Thalapathi" (1991).

In Bollywood, the director-screenplay writer-producer carved a niche for himself with his trilogy on terrorism -- "Roja" (1992), "Bombay"(1995) and "Dil Se" (1998).

Married to actress Suhasini, Ratnam was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2002 and has won several film awards, including six National Awards.