Several directors like Farhan Akhtar, Anurag Kashyap, Farah Khan and Tigmanshu Dhulia have moved from behind the camera to step into the world of acting. Karan Johar and Kunal Kohli are the latest to join the bandwagon of directors-turned-actors. Tapping this trend, we list a few filmmakers who we think should change direction and take their place in front of the camera.
Rohit Shetty: Tall, muscular and good-looking, Rohit can easily play a villain, if not the hero of a film. If his movies have spelled success at the box-office his role as the host of Khatron Ke Khiladi proved that he is camera-friendly too. Besides an adventurous streak in him, he has a droll sense of humour too. Add to it his balding pate amidst closely cropped hair teamed with dark glasses and he is perfect as the conniving don a la Jaikant Shikre from his Singham.
Vishal Bhardwaj: He has done almost everything that is related to a film be it composing music, scripting, directing or producing. The only thing remaining for this multitalented filmmaker is acting. With his shuddh desi looks, clean image, and the huge respect he commands, Vishal would be perfect to play the earnest and sincere bade bhaiyya (Ram), an honest police commissioner or an idealistic father. Considering that most of the characters of his film have grey shades, he wouldn't fit into any of those. But yes, we can clearly picture him essaying Aishwarya Rai's disciplined musician-father in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam.
Ayan Mukerji: With his fit and trim physique, he can give the heroes a run for their roles, but Ayan Mukerji prefers to be behind the camera. For his debut directorial venture Wake Up Sid he roped in his good friend Ranbir Kapoor, but we think he could have as well played Sid in the unconventional romance. Never mind, it's not too late! He can pair up with Ranbir to play onscreen friends a la Gunday or Jai-Veeru of Sholay.
Vikram Bhatt: He has scripted and directed innumerable paranormal thrillers. Wonder why he never cast himself in one of those films? With his shocking mop of white hair and nerdy spectacles, Vikram will be perfect for a spooky mysterious character who could either be evil or nice. In fact, the character played by Ali Fazal in Khamoshiyan would fit Vikram who is good at writing stories and is always in search for his next supernatural thriller! Last heard, he has already bagged an acting assignment in a film called Bhaag Johnny but it's still being made.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali: Dressed in starched kurtas and pyjamas, the bearded and bespectacled Sanjay looks like a man who has several layers to him. That he is a sensitive filmmaker with a temper on the boil is known to all. But those close to him swear that he has a great sense of humour too. Gleaning from all these we can say that filmmaker can play a quirky or an eccentric character with panache. Think Naseeruddin Shah's character in Zindagi Milegi Na Dobara and you'll know what we mean.
Zoya Akhtar: She has a penchant for ensemble casts and has everyone from Hrithik Roshan to Ranveer Singh, vying to act in her films. She has even got directors like Karan Johar, Anurag Kashyap to do cameos for her. So, what stops this spunky filmmaker from facing the camera? After all, didn't her brother Farhan diversify from directing to acting? It is in her genes. With her no-nonsense attitude and forthright manner she could well play the role Amrita Singh essayed in 2 States.
Gurinder Chadha: Her films Bhaji on the Beach and Mistress of the Spices are an unorthodox take on womanhood. Gurinder herself comes across as an unconventional feisty Punjabi woman. She could play the strong independent thinking matriarch in any of her films. Or just swap Kirron Kher's roles where she plays the loud, sensitive and progressive Punjabi mother - Khoobsurat and Dostana. What say?
Kabir Khan: Tall, fair and goodlooking, Kabir Khan with his bearded look makes for an ideal hero material, especially for a mature romantic film. Something like what Shah Rukh Khan played in Jab Tak Hai Jaan or for that matter even Chak De! India! In fact, he could have even been a FBI agent in one of his films like New York or Ek Tha Tiger too. Wonder what is stopping him from facing the camera!
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