By Kunal M Shah

Posted On Friday, January 22, 2010 at 02:04:29 AM

Sanjay Leela Bhansali had to cast for an important three-minute cameo for his film Guzaarish. But he just couldn’t make up his mind after auditioning various people. That’s when Hrithik Roshan suggested Makrand Deshpande’s name. Interestingly, Hrithik doesn’t know Makrand personally nor has he ever worked with him.

A source revealed, “Makrand got a call from Bhansali’s office and was equally surprised by the offer.”

Makrand grabbed the opportunity to work with the cast and crew of Guzaarish. He said, “Yes, I have done an important cameo, but I am not supposed to speak about it as the character is a vital part of the film. It was a pleasure working with Sanjay sir, Hrithik and Aishwarya Rai. Hrithik and Aishwarya are such hungry actors. When I got a call from Mr Bhansali’s office, I wondered why they chose me. When I met Hrithik, he told me it was his suggestion to cast me in the cameo and Sanjay loved the idea!”

Recalling his experience, Makrand tells us, “I remember that during the sequence I suggested that I should carry flowers in my hands and Sanjay loved the idea. He stopped the shooting to arrange for the flowers. The entire three-minute scene which had so many dimensions was shot in one take. We even had a long chat after pack-up. I was amazed that Sanjay was aware of my plays and he even knew that I had made a film. He also spoke at length about his musical Padmavati. I still have to finish a couple of shots for the film which I will do soon.”