National Award-winning filmmaker Gautam Ghose bags role in Majid Majidi's 'Beyond The Clouds'

Majid Majidi on the film's set with Ishaan Khattar and Shahid Kapoor in Mumbai; (inset) Gautam Ghose

Majid Majidi on the film's set with Ishaan Khattar and Shahid Kapoor in Mumbai; (inset) Gautam Ghose

Bengali filmmaker Gautam Ghose turns actor for Majid Majidi's Beyond The Clouds. The acclaimed and award-winning director has landed a stellar role in the Iranian filmmaker's project, currently being shot in Mumbai.

Says a source, "Majid Majidi had this particular image for one of the characters. He could not find a face to match. He then explained his requirement to the casting agent who felt Gautam would be apt. Majidi was shown his photo and after a round of audition, he was on board."

A spokesperson from the makers, Eye Candy Films and Zee Studios, says, "Yes, Gautam is on board. He will be playing a crucial role."

Ghose has had a brush with acting in Srijit Mukherjee's psychological thriller Baishe Srabon (2011) and National Award winning film, Chotushkone (2014).

Besides being a director, Ghose is also a scriptwriter, cameraman and music composer, known for slice-of-life films. He is best remembered for the Shabana Azmi and Naseeruddin Shah-starrer Paar (1984), Abar Aranye (2003), which featured Soumitra Chatterjee, and Rekha and Nana Patekar's Yatra (2007).

Adds the source, "Majidi and Ghosh are well known names on the film festival circuit. It'll be interesting to see the two filmmakers at work, with one of them calling the shots."

Beyond The Clouds marks the acting debut of Ishaan Khattar, Shahid Kapoor's half-brother. The film also stars Heeba Shah, daughter of Naseeruddin Shah.

AR Rahman will score the music for the film.