Lara Dutta is now Amarjeet.
No, thankfully, she has not changed her name for numerological purposes.
That's her name in her latest film, Amarjeet, where she takes on the mighty tobacco industry.
The film comes at a time when the central government has banned smoking scenes and the use of tobacco in Indian films effective October 2.
Asked whether this was the reason behind making the film, Lara replied, "This film was planned in February. It has nothing to do with the government ban."
Besides Lara, the movie will star two male actors but they have not been decided upon.
Lara welcomed the central government's decision, saying it was good because youngsters often get influenced by cigarette-smoking scenes on the big screen and take up smoking.
"If I am stylish and smoke on big screen, then youngsters of our country are bound to follow that. I have not yet got one good reason why people smoke in life! I have never understood the reason and logic of smoking," says Lara.
Would this film be preachy? "Please," Lara adds quickly, "This film is not about sermons. This is a commercial film with a social message. It is a story of a woman from a small town in Punjab who takes on the mighty tobacco industry. She does not have the experience to deal with such a big step, and her movement snowballs into a huge movement. Like Erin Brockowich. The content will be on those lines."
The film is directed by Shoojit Sircar, who earlier directed the Mann Ki Manjeere music video for Shubha Mudgal. The ad man is best known for his Cadbury's commercials, featuring Amitabh Bachchan, and Titan ads featuring Aamir Khan.
His debut film Yahaan will be released in July.
Amarjeet has an estimated budget of under Rs 7 crore, and will be produced by the Percept Picture Company. It is expected to release in theatres next January.
