Filmmaker Anurag Basu debuts as actor with Onir's 'I am'

Director Onir's I am, a compilation of four different stories highlighting social issues, will see  filmmaker Anurag Basu's full-fledged acting debut.

The story, that takes a closer look at the novel concept of sperm donation, will have Basu play a Bengali doctor. When it came to convincing Basu for the role, Onir was not willing to take no for an answer.

Said a source, "Onir met Basu over coffee as both were a part of the Filmfare jury. Anurag realised he had forgotten his wallet and Onir stepped in to pay the bill which was a humble Rs500. Onir realised that Anurag fitted the bill of the Bengali doctor he was looking for."

Onir immediately gave Basu his signing amount and told him that he was acting in his new movie. Basu initially thought it was a joke, but after hearing the entire project he promptly agreed to do the film, the source said.

Basu features in the story I am Afia with actors Nandita Das and Purab Kohli. I am Megha is a story about a Hindu girl, Juhi Chawla, and her Muslim friend played by Manisha Koirala.

I am Omar deals with homosexuality and I am Abhimanyu with child abuse.