(With Pix)

Always wanted to work with Anil: Gulzar Mumbai, Sep 13 (PTI) Gulzar is returning to screenplaywriting with debutant Harshvardhan Kapoor-starrer "Mirzya",but the writer-poet says it’s the actor’s star father Anil,who he always longed to work with. Gulzar has collaborated with director Rakeysh OmprakashMehra for "Mirzya", which is inspired by the Punjabi folkloreof ‘Mirza-Sahiban’. The film’s team, along with Anil, daughters Sonam, Rheaand the whole Kapoor family, were present at the music launchof the movie. On the occasion, Anil joked, "Gulzar saab, I’ve beenstruggling with you for 35 years. Please tell the audience forhow many years I’ve been asking you to take me in your film. "I came at your place almost 34 years ago. I went to himand said please make a film with me, he never made. I wantthis answer. But thank you very much, at least you made a filmwith my son," the 59-year-old star said. To which the writer replied, "I told Harshvardhan, Yourdad will pull my leg by saying you’re not working with me, butyou’re working with my son. "But I was telling Harsh that somehow I kept missing him(Anil) when it comes to casting. Because I was never aproducer. I used to work as a director and make films forothers… I wish you had employed me once," Gulzar quipped. Gulzar, 82, last wrote "Hu Tu Tu", the 1999 drama starringTabu and Suniel Shetty, also his directorial venture. When asked what took him 17 years to pick the pen again,Gulzar, in his usual modest and playful manner, said, "Ididn’t get employment from anyone or from anywhere until I metRakeysh". Now the writer is gearing up for the release of "Mirzya",which hits theatre on October 7. Also starring newcomer Saiyami Kher, it has beenco-produced by ROMP Pictures and Cinestaan Film Company. PTIJUR NRBSMJRDS