Yes you read it right. The current box office favourite Ranbir Kapoor whose Yeh Jawaaani Hai Dewaani is rocking the box office will share the screen with the man who made this possible for him. Karan Johar the multifaceted personality will now play a serious role in the forthcoming Anurag Kashyap’s ‘Bombay Velvet’..

Speaking about the development Karan says, ‘the offer came out of the blue. In the film, he will be seen playing the antagonist opposite Ranbir Kapoor.

Yes, it’s true that I’m acting in Bombay Velvet, and of course, it’s unusual for me, Karan says, adding, I was blown away by the narrative. And all the cast members - besides Ranbir and Anushka (Sharma, lead actress) - have strong roles in Anurag’s film. Since I’m playing an antagonist, there are shades of grey to my character.

Over a decade-and-a half ago, Karan played a cameo in the Shah Rukh Khan-Kajol-starrer Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995). More recently, he made guest appearances in films like Om Shanti Om (2007) and Luck By Chance (2009).

But what’s interesting is that now the director of feel-good, family-oriented dramas will be seen in a negative role. Karan explains, I’ve never shied away from trying new things. Fifteen years ago, I took up direction (with Kuch Kuch Hota Hai; 1998) on an impulse, followed by my stint as a TV show host (Koffee With Karan).

He says he always knew that, somewhere down the line, acting will happen. I didn’t know whether I was ready for it. Now, I will start working on my role with Anurag. I will follow his directorial vision, and I won’t bring my director’s baggage on the sets, he clarifies.

Has he discussed this with anyone else? Besides Anurag, Ranbir too was keen that I come on board. As for my mother (Hiroo Johar), she has always been encouraging in whatever I do, he says.

When contacted, Anurag says, Karan is fantastic for the part. I actually wanted to bounce ideas off him. He loved the script, and I suddenly asked if he will play the role. He was surprised, but said yes. Karan said he will charge R11, and the money kept aside will go for special effects and production.

Commenting on this, Vikas Bahl of Phantom Films said, I think there is a beautiful actor hidden in Karan. I simply love his ads. I'm sure he'll make the character bigger than the actor.

Vijay Singh, CEO, Fox Star Studios, added, Karan is such a casting coup ! He is not only one of the most talented and versatile minds in the industry, he also has the ability to surprise.. I believe he will do great justice to his role .

Bombay Velvet will go on floors in July 2013 and will release worldwide on 25th Dec 2014. The first film of a trilogy, as planned by Anurag Kashyap, Bombay Velvet is the story of how the city became a metropolis, set against the backdrop of love, greed, violence and Jazz. Ranbir and Anushka play lovers whose lives intermingle with the evolution of the city of Bombay, through the 50s to early 70s in the film.

Stay tuned for more on this....