Among the many Aamir Khan admirers who gave him a thumping applause at the premier of "Mangal Pandey - The Rising" held at Inox, was "Hum Tum" director Kunal Kohli, who has cast the actor in his forthcoming film.

"I have always known Aamir to be a great performer but in "The Rising", he has excelled and set a new bar in acting. It's a 're-rising' of a star after four long years," Kohli enthused.

Kohli, however, is tight-lipped about Aamir's role in his film, in which he has pulled off a casting coup of sorts with three challenging actors -- Aamir, Kajol and Rishi Kapoor.

"Aamir's character is different from the ones he has essayed so far, but it will of course bring his acting prowess to the fore," he smiles.

The shooting of the film begins in September, but according to Kohli, Aamir will join him in October for a long schedule. "I am eagerly looking forward to working with him," he says.