'Rose' is my most ambitious film: Ali Fazal

Actor Ali Fazal, who was last seen in Vidya Balan-starrer 'Bobby Jasoos', is excited about Pooja Bhatt-produced film 'Rose', which he says is his most important and challenging project so far. The love story marks the directorial debut of 'Aashiqui 2' writer Shagufta Rafique. The 27-year-old 'Fukrey' star said his role in the film, which also stars Richa Chadda, is quite tough and demanding.

"This film is special; it is definitely my most ambitious movie so far. It is a love story and my first film as a solo lead. My character is also quite challenging. So, it is a very important film. I am really happy and excited that finally I have a movie where my role is big and I am not playing second lead," Ali told PTI.

Speaking about his pairing with Richa, Ali said he has mastered the art of being a part of unusual on-screen couples. "I am trying to specialise in such on-screen pairings. I am getting used to do that as I have been paired opposite Vidya, which was also thought to be different and now with Richa. I just hope it works well," said the actor, who will start shooting with his 'Fukrey' co-star next month.

The actor, who has recently wrapped up 'Khamoshiyan' with Vishesh Films, said he has become very close to Mahesh Bhatt and the filmmaker takes care of him a lot. "Mahesh Bhatt has supported me so much; he was always present on the sets of 'Khamoshiyan'. I have learnt more from him than I have from the biggest stars, I have worked with. My friendship with him is on some other level now and the production house trusts me a lot. They have given me a home. This encourages me to do my best," said Ali, who will be next seen in 'Sonali Cable'.

The young star, who has mostly played second-fiddle to actresses in films, said though he wants to do more movies as a solo-lead, he cannot afford to wait for such roles as he needs strong footing in the industry.

"I can't wait for big roles to come my way. I believe in making most of the opportunity. Obviously it bothers me sometimes to play the second lead but I am mostly a secure actor. I look at my role and its importance.

"My upcoming film 'Sonali Cable' is centered on a girl, but the romantic angle in the story was prominent enough for me to do it. With my two next films, things will change for me, I am hopeful because I will be seen in much bigger roles," the actor said.

'Sonali Cable', directed by Charudutt Acharya and produced by Ramesh Sippy and Rohan Sippy, has 'Mere Dad Ki Maruti' actress Rhea Chakraborty in the lead. Ali, who has done his first ever intimate scene in the film, said he was nervous during the shoot but Ramesh Sippy helped him overcome the initial reservation. 

"The scene is a part of a romantic song in the film. This particular scene is directed by Ramesh Sippy. He has made it look so good on-screen," the actor said, adding that he is open to intimate scenes on-screen, provided they fit in the story. 

'Sonali Cable' is slated to release on October 17.