Actor Rahul Khanna, who is currently awaiting the release of his forthcoming film "Fireflies", says it was "exciting and a privilege" to work with first time director Sabal Singh Shekhawat and that he has raised the bar really high.

The actor, who has been part of films like "1947 Earth" and "Wake Up Sid", studied at the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute and the School of Visual Arts in New York City. In 2000, he was honoured with the Filmfare award for best male debut for his role in "1947 Earth".

He says he signed "Fireflies" because he loved its story and screenplay.

"I think it's exciting and a privilege to work with a first time director. And I hope I've set the bar so high that I've spoiled him for other actors! Also, I loved the story, the screenplay... basically everything led me to the film," Rahul told IANS in an email interview.

"Fireflies" is Sabal Singh Shekhawat's directorial debut. He has previously made several television commercials. The film also stars Shivani Ghai, Monica Dogra and Arjun Mathur.

Rahul says he likes to do films that are unique and feels that "Fireflies" falls in the same bracket.

"I have always done films that are different and have attracted me, be it '1947 Earth' or 'Wake Up Sid' or 'Fireflies'. The story line, the treatment of the film, the cast, everything about the film is very different," the actor told IANS in an interview.

Son of actor-politician Vinod Khanna, the 42-year-old's character in the movie is someone who has evolved into being ruthless in both his business and personal life and later starts to question his choices.


The star feels there was a great deal of camaraderie among the cast and crew of the film.

"Everyone working on the project from both the technical and creative sides, were amongst the best in the business and were there for no other reason than to share in creating something new and different. So there was a great deal of camaraderie."

Talking about his co-star Arjun Mathur, he said he has always "admired" him as an actor and the choices he made.

"Although we don't have too many scenes together, I really enjoyed the times we did share a scene. Monica is such a unique performer, she has also contributed some incredible music for the film," he said.

Praising Shivani Ghai, who is new to India but has a large body of work from Britain and US, Rahul said she was such a pro and a delight as a co-star. "Aadya Bedi, too, really impressed me with her performance. I truly hope to work with them all again," said Rahul.