Bollywood director Ketan Mehta unveils cast of his latest flick

Mumbai, Apr 30 : Noted Bollywood director Ketan Mehta unveiled his cast for his forthcoming historical film "Rang Rasiyaa" meaning "Colour of Passion" here.

The film is based on the life of renowned painter, Raja Ravi Varma.

On Raja Ravi Varma's 160th birth anniversary, Ketan Mehta introduced the stars of his new flick that traces the life and period of the legendary painter. It's an adaptation of a marathi novel based on the painter.

The story line, besides focusing on the life span, also showcases the painter's radiating relationship with his muse, Sugandha, enacted by Nandana Sen.

The role of Raja Ravi Varma is played by Randeep Hooda, who has to his credit films like 'D', where he enacted the role of Gangster Dawood Abraham.

Ketan Mehta said that although his latest films were dealing with history, it was purely coincidental. While his forthcoming flick inspired him since it had "contemporary relevance".

"It was a very fascinating subject. It has a contemporary relevance and that is the reason, I made this film," said Ketan Mehta.

The music of the film is composed by Sandesh Shandilya, while the lyrics are penned by Manoj Muntashir. Sonu Nigam and Sunidhi Chauhan have breathed life in the soulful music.

The event witnessed the live performances by the lead actors of the film who enacted the scenes of the movie, which was followed by a fashion show, wherein the models dressed up in traditional attire to depict the inspiring "women" of Raja Ravi Varma walked the ramp.

Ketan Mehta boasts of a diversified repertoire as he has experimented with varied genres including comedy, satire, romance, violence and rebellion.

His debut film, 'Bhavni Bhavai', won him critical acclaim. While his Mirch Masala, dated back to colonial time, depicted the rowdy behaviour of tax collectors.

Raja Ravi Varma, is the celebrated painter who is most remembered for his depiction of scenes from Mahabharata and Ramayana and for his graceful portrayal of sari clad women.

His paintings are characterised by fusion of Indian traditions with the techniques of European academic art.

ANI