Romantic drama proves it's never too late for love

Despite a rather low-key release, Bela Sehgal’s love story is met with a positive response. Released at selective cinemas after the magnum-opus that was Ek Tha Tiger last week, Sehgal presents an affable love story aimed at a select audience.

With films such as Devdas, Black and Saawariya under her belt as editor, this film marks her debut as a director.

Casting Boman Irani in the lead is a daring thing to do considering how the industry predominantly showcases model-like actors in their late teens or 20s. As a double dare, Sehgal ropes in director/choreographer Farah Khan’s as Irani’s aficionado. Khan, known for directing two of Indian cinema’s most successful films in the way of Main Hoon Naa and Om Shaanti Om, also marks her debut as a lead actress.

The story focuses on Farhad (Irani), a bachelor in his mid-forties who feels his life is going nowhere. Working as a salesman in a lingerie shop and with no self confidence and love in his life, Farhad is still optimistic that one day his luck will change. That day finally arrives when Shirin (Khan) enters his world. Shirin is a professional woman with a vivacious personality and Farhad instantly falls head over heels for her. A tale of companionship and destiny follows.

Irani and Khan are first rate in their respective roles, but it is Khan who manages to steal the limelight with her portrayal of the lively and boisterous Shirin.

Debutante director Bela Sehgal is a welcome addition to the industry as she sensitively tackles a theme that has not yet been fully explored by Indian cinema.

You are never too old to fall in love.