Ramesh Sippy is back after a sabbatical! Yes, the veteran film-maker has been calling the shots as a producer, but he hasn't placed himself on the director's chair for quite some time. But the long wait is over!

Reportedly, the director of films like ANDAZ, SEETA AUR GEETA, SHAAN and SHOLAY has decided to cast the two Bachchans in his next project. True? Sippy listens to me patiently and then retorts, "I am not commenting on the cast of my next film. But what's true is that I am ready with my next venture."

He has had discussions with Bachchan Sr. about the project. Surely he can't deny that! "Yes, we've discussed an idea and it has shaped up wonderfully. Hopefully, next month, I'd be ready with the final script and then things will fall into place," Sippy informs.

Please continue. "I don't like to repeat myself as a film-maker. It's [the genre] something I haven't attempted yet. That's what got me all charged up. Also, I cannot comment on the casting right now since everybody is so busy these days. Procuring dates of busy actors is not an easy task, but I hope to start filming next year," he smiles.

Meanwhile, Sippy is going to create a record of sorts when he releases three films [as producer] in three consecutive months. BLUFF MASTER [directed by son Rohan Sippy] is slated for release in December, TAXI NO. 9211 [dir.: Milan Luthria] in January and FEAR [dir.: Vikram Bhatt] in February 2006.

"We plan to launch the theatrical trailer of TAXI NO. 9211 with BLUFF MASTER and that of FEAR with TAXI NO. 9211," Sippy enlightens.