There are very few director-hero friends in this generation. At a time when heroes act in films rarer than star directors make them, associations are more often than not short-lived. We do not see star directors co-opting a superstar for the second time.

This doesn't apply to Puri and Mahesh. They have teamed up after five years (Pokiri was released in 2006), but they share an exciting work relationship. They are more friends than professional buddies. Their camaraderie came to the fore when Puri drowned Mahesh in an avalanche of friendly questions yesterday during the audio launch of The Businessman.

Peppering the answers with his 'isms' and regularly flashing beautiful smiles, Mahesh was a treat to watch. So also Puri with his witty questions.

Only Puri could have asked Mahesh what care he takes to protect himself from the scuttlebutt machinery, which takes pleasure in linking every glamorous actor with his co-stars. While describing it as an uncomfortable question, Mahesh smilingly said that he spends most of the time at home.

In his speech, Puri spoke about the infectious energy of Mahesh. For want of a better word, he described the Prince of Hearts as someone who gives 'kick'.

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