Tanuja returns for Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s Chitthiyaan

Tanuja Chandra is ready to return to direction after seven long years with brother-in-law Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s production, Chitthiyaan that goes on floors next year. Her last film was the Mahima Chaudhary-starrer, Hope And A Little Sugar in 2006.
According to insiders, Tanuja has been asked to helm the project since the story traces Vidhu’s relationship with his first wife — the late film editor Renu Saluja.Sources revealed that Chitthiyaan deals with a rather sensitive topic. The film will not just trace Vidhu’s bond with Renu, but also her relationship with filmmaker Sudhir Mishra later and the friction that was created between the filmmakers. Needless to say, Vidhu wanted someone from the family to direct the film, said an insider.
Incidentally, Tanuja had been busy with Woh Pyar Hi Tha starring Rajeev Khandelwal, Raima Sen and Vir Das and the film was supposed to release earlier this year, but it kept getting delayed. This is when Chitthiyaan came her way.
Vidhu’s spokesperson confirmed that Tanuja will helm the project. On her part, Tanuja said, “Yes, I’m directing Vidhu’s film. But it is very early to talk about it right now.” Apparently, the decision to hand over the directorial reins to Tanuja was taken last week.
When asked about her years of absence, Tanuja simply said, “I have been writing, reading and learning. Now, I’m eagerly looking forward to directing. But yes, I think the Rajeev-Raima starrer should release next year as well.” Significantly, Pakistani model-turned-actress Humaima Malik, who was seen in Shohaib Mansoor’s Bol and linked to cricketer Wasim Akram before that, is being considered for Renu’s character in the film.
Sharman Joshi has already been roped in to play one of the male leads. Reportedly, Ranbir Kapoor was sounded off for the other hero. But since things did not work out, the makers are now looking out for a replacement.