In 2006, director, actor, screenwriter and producer Anurag Basu had introduced actress Kangana Ranaut in Gangster. Later the director-actor duo came together in Hrithik Roshan starrer Kites, followed by which there were rumours of a fallout between the two.
It was said that Kangana was apparently upset with international actress Barbara Mori receiving more screen space. But now after eight years, Anurag and Kangana are coming together for a love story, titled Imali. The reunion doesn't come as much of a surprise as the protégé has always maintained that Anurag is her mentor and that she would never be able to refuse any project that he offers. Reasserting her admiration for her mentor, the Queen of Bollywood recently described Anurag Basu as her godfather.
When contacted, the Simran actor told Deccan Chronicle, “It’s too early to talk about Imali as we are starting the film around the end of the year. All I can say is that Anurag is my godfather and everything I am today is because of him. I can’t wait to go back to the beginning.”
Although not much has been disclosed about Imali, reports suggest that the film would tell an urban love story, where Kangana will play the titular character. Currently, Kangana is caught with the shoot for Mental Hai Kya in London, with co-star Rajkummar Rao. The actress is also gearing up for the release of Manikarnika- The Queen of Jhansi.
As far as Imali is concerned, a source close to the development informed Deccan Chronicle that the preparation for the film will flag off only after Kangana wraps up Ashwini Iyer Tiwari's kabaddi drama. At the moment, makers of Imali are looking out for a male lead to essay the role of Kangana Ranaut's love interest.
