by Subhash K Jha
The film that they've done together is called The Whisperers. But the sounds emerging from the sets of first-time director Rajiv Virani's English-language psychological thriller hardly qualify as whispers.

According to onlookers, the film's two leading men who play upper-class friends, were constantly altercating bickering and quarreling, much to the discomfort of uninitiated onlookers.

While it's not unknown for two actresses to get into arguments while working together it's relatively less common for male actors to get vocally conflicted on the sets. Going by Manoj's past reputation for creative dissension, the whispers about The Whisperers seemed alarming....

...Until Rahul Bose put all speculation to rest. "I knew people would think we were arguing. But the truth is, the arguments were entirely out of a feeling of genuine camaraderie. We seemed to be fighting all the time. But we're actually friends. We were constantly making fun of each other. It was a genuine bonhomie. Our friendship was unpretentious and real. We don't socialize that much. But we're in touch constantly. In fact I'm leaving for Kerala for a long outdoor. I'll call Manoj before I leave."

Far from the reputation of a fracas that the co-stars seem to have generated Rahul gives a completely different picture.

"Working with Manoj Bajpai was clearly one of the most intense and rewarding experiences of my life. He knows his chops. What's interesting about this project is that I've written but not directed it. Rajiv Virani has. I had to re-write almost everyday, keeping in mind the changing chemistry between the characters played by Manoj and me. We play two extremely wealthy guys."

Rahul seems deeply enthused by the project. "Whisperers was home for me with Rajiv and Manoj. If I had to change a prop I didn't have to ask. If Rajiv had to change a shot he didn't have to ask me."

So is The Whisperers another film about male bonding? "Not the least! It's about the world, power, money and politics and how they effect these two men. We shot entirely in the night. I'd re-write from 5 to 7 in the evening after rehearsing with Manoj. I'd like to think we're good friends."