Renuka to direct Rajeshwari Sachdev

The Maharashtrian actress, who blossomed from Surabhi to the recent Jite Hain Jiske Liye, is all set to make her directorial debut with a Marathi film, Rita. Known as a trend setter for 'the bhabhi' role in Bollywood (Hum Aapke Hai Kaun), Renuka Shahane is very excited about this project, "I always wanted to be behind the camera and now my wish is coming true." The movie Rita is an adaptation of a novel 'Rita Velankar' penned by Renuka's mother, Shanta Velanker. Reluctant to divulge the story, Mrs. Rana (she's married to film actor Ashutosh Rana) did shed light on the star cast. She is planning to rope in singer-cum-actor Rajeshwari Sachdev (last seen in SAB's Ji Behenji) and Marathi actor Ashwini Kaleskar in lead roles. "I have yet not decided on the hero but I am in talks with a few," says Renuka. The actor, who's blessed with a 1000 watt smile, is not only handling the ropes of a director but is also handling the screen play. The production aspect is being looked after her good friend and well-known director-producer Ajit Bhure. The film will go on floor in October, "and if all goes well on time, Rita will be releasing around April," says Renuka. And a Marathi movie is not the only project on her agenda. She is also planning a Hindi movie with hubby Ashutosh. Here too she'll be handling the dual duties - that of a director and a scriptwriter. "The scripting of the film is complete but we have not yet decided on the title," voices Renuka. They are planning commence shooting for this flick somewhere during Diwali 2008. "It is very difficult to make a start as a director with a Hindi film, so I thought of trying my hands at Marathi films," she says as she winds up our conversation.