Actress Fatima Sana Shaikh will next be seen playing a Marathi character in the upcoming movie Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari. Her co-star Manoj Bajpayee took to Instagram to post a photo of him along with her, Neha Pendse and Supriya Pilgaonkar.
"In the train with the women of Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari," he captioned the photo in which Fatima and Supriya are dressed up in Maharashtrian saris.
Fatima also shared her saree look on Instagram. ''Ye मराठी मुलगी padegi sab pe bhari! #FirstLook from #SurajPeMangalBhari! Happy #ValentinesDay, you all!,'' she captioned the photo.
A source said: "Fatima did multiple readings with Abhishek Sharma and worked on her body language to mould herself in the role before the film went on floor. She has completely transformed herself for the film, the audiences will be in for a real treat!"
On why he chose Fatima for this character, Sharma said: "Her character has a dual personality for which we needed an actor who could play vulnerable, mysterious and assertive with equal ease."
"Fatima is an excellent talent who has the quality to get into all these emotions at will. She is extremely punctual, very involved and dedicated with her work. Her infectious enthusiasm keeps us all energised on the set."
Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari, a family comedy set in the 90s Mumbai, also stars Diljit Dosanjh. The film, produced by Zee Studios, is slated to release in the second half of the year.
Abhishek Sharma has previously directed Tere Bin Laden and Parmanu.
(With IANS inputs)