The worlds created by filmmakers Mira Nair and Maqbool Khan are as different as chalk and cheese. Yet, Ishaan Khatter blends into both universes with ease. Barely a month after headlining Nair's A Suitable Boy, the actor slips into the role of a cab driver in his latest release, Khaali Peeli. Currently in Goa, Khatter recounts how director Khan had a unique pitch for the actioner. "To summarise the film's treatment in the context of Bambaiya characters, he pitched the role as Nalasopara ka Guy Ritchie. That was hilarious and genius at the same time. It drew me in as the film has the '90s flavour that I enjoyed," he says.

Featuring Ananya Panday and him, the film appears to be a classic case of old wine in a new bottle. Did he worry that the movie, a nod to the masala films of past, might seem dated? "It depends on the treatment. This movie is self-aware, and is meant to be a tribute to the golden Hindi film era, but at the same time, the vision is contemporary. Also, it's my first 'hero' role. That's one of the reasons I chose this project after waiting over a year for the right script to come by. It didn't feel dated or forced in any way."