Mid-Day

Madhur Bhandarkar has signed Shruti Haasan to play a key role in his first comedy Dil To Bachcha Hai Ji and says she and the film's male lead Emran Hashmi will look perfect on screen.

"Shruti met me some months ago expressing her desire to work with me. I thought she would suit the part opposite Emraan Hashmi perfectly," said Bhandarkar.

Though not willing to admit that Kamal Haasan had any hand in Shruti's presence in the comedy, Bhandarkar does admit he is a great fan of the actor.

"Kamal-ji is a legend. And I can't say the thought of working with his daughter did not pass through my mind. However, I must add that Shruti is a very bright, pretty and talented girl. She's bound to go far."

Shruti, 24, made her Hindi film debut with Luck but the film bombed and apparently her career had come to a standstill.