Sekhar Kammula makes Anamika special: Harshavardhan Rane

Actor Harshavardhan Rane, who essays an important role in Anamika, the Telugu and Tamil remake of Kahaani, says its director Sekhar Kammula is the reason why the film is special. The Southern Harshavardhan even says that it is because of the director that he agreed to be a part of the film.

Talking to IANS, Harshavardhan told, "There are three reasons why I said yes to this film. First of three reasons is Sekhar sir, second is because Endemol is associated with the project and finally, I believed in my instinct." The actor added, "I recently finished shooting for a film in which I play a rockstar. I wanted to do something far different from it and that's precisely when this project was offered to me. It's a precious project and I'm happy to be a part of it."

The actor is paired opposite Nayantara in the film, which is currently being shot in Hyderabad. "I can't talk about the role, but I play an important role. I have completed about 10 days of shooting and there are few more days of shoot left," he said. Harshvardhan says he wasn't apprehensive to feature in a remake.

"First of all, it's an adaptation of Kahaani. I don't know how others call it, but I don't see it as a remake. I wasn't scared to be part of it because I have nothing to lose as an actor. I don't come from a film family background and therefore I don't have to keep any flag flying high. Sometimes you follow your instincts because you feel it's going to be right. I just did that because I had the urge to work with Sekhar sir," he added.

He disagrees that Anamika is driven by star power. "I believe it's one of those films that take away the stardom factor from the actors involved in it. The role of the lead actors is so strong that it doesn't matter if one is a star or not," said Harshvardhan.

Working with Nayantara for the first time, Harshvardhan felt some jitters, but he says she "made me feel comfortable as soon as she realised I started feeling nervous around her". Nayantara reprises the role of Vidya Bagchi, which was originally played by Vidya Balan in Kahaani. The film also features Pasupathy and Vaibhav Reddy in important roles.

IANS