'Daddy' tough screenplay to adapt as play: Mahesh Bhatt

After "Arth", theatre and television actor Imran Zahid is now ready to adapt into a play another of Mahesh Bhatt's films -- "Daddy" this time -- about which the renowned filmmaker says it is comparatively a tough screenplay.

Directed by Mahesh Bhatt, the 1989 autobiographical film "Daddy" has Anupam Kher playing an alcoholic father battling his demons and his daughter's distrust. The highly acclaimed film marked the acting debut of Bhatt's eldest daughter Pooja.

Bhatt said: "Imran Zahid is on a high after tasting the success of 'Arth The Play'. 'Daddy' is a tough screenplay to adapt as a stage play. But Imran has the resolve to hit the bull's eye."

"Daddy The Play" goes on stage on June 21 and Imran would play Kher's role, while the hunt is on for a suitable girl to essay the daughter's role.

Imran is currently auditioning girls from Delhi University to play Pooja's part.

Said the actor: "It isn't easy to get into Mahesh Bhatt saab's soul or to find an actress who would feel Pooja Bhatt's anguish on stage. But we succeeded beyond our hopes with 'Arth'. Hopefully, we would have a winner this time too."