Shahid a pleasant surprise for Aziz

He has worked with Shahrukh Khan in four films (Raju Ban Ggaya Gentleman, Yes Boss, Phir Bhi Hai Hindustani, Chalte Chalte). For the first time, veteran Aziz Mirza has looked elsewhere, beyond Shahrukh. "When I bounced off the idea of Kismat Konnection to Juhi (Chawla), her reaction was, 'Sounds so much like a young SRK.' Shahrukh is a terrific actor, but he wouldn't look in his 20s. I had to cast someone young for the part," the soft-spoken film-maker tells me.

So how did he zero upon Shahid Kapoor? "I had seen Ishq Vishk and was truly impressed by his acting abilities. I also liked his effort in films that didn't work. But he has surprised me with his performance in Kismat Konnection. He's excellent in the film," Mirza informs me.

Kismat Konnection is important for yet another reason. Mirza's son Haroon will be credited as the co-director of the film. "Actually, he should've been credited as the co-director during Chalte Chalte itself. My wife Nirmala was hospitalized then and I was at the hospital most of the time. Haroon came forward and shouldered the responsibility then. He's extremely capable and so sure of what he wants," the veteran states.