Rajaa Mukerji with sister Rani

Siliguri, July 20: Films run in their family.

Bollywood queen Rani Mukherjee had made her debut in a Bengali film, Biyer Phul, directed by her father, Ram Mukherjee, more than a decade ago. Now her brother, Rajaa Mukerji, is all set to take the plunge as a director with another Bengali film, Vidhatar Lekha, which is also a family production.

The 30-something Rajaa will thus join other big names ? Sashadhar, Subodh, Joy, Deb, Shomu and Kajol ? from the prolific Mukherjee stable.

So far, Rajaa had been producing and directing tele-serials and music videos apart from assisting his father (notably in Biyer Phul). His decision to turn his attention to the big screen is good news for the Darjeeling hills, where part of his film will be shot, starting from September 10.

?Since there are no budget constraints, he could have shot anywhere in the world,? Neill S. Mitra, the media consultant to the production, told The Telegraph. ?But he chose to shoot in Darjeeling.?

Mitra was speaking on behalf of Rajaa, whose superstition forbids him to talk to the media before shooting begins.

?It is because of his roots that he, despite his birth and upbringing in Mumbai, chose to debut with a Bengali film. He also wanted to promote the beautiful landscapes of Bengal through his films and Darjeeling came as a natural choice,? she said.

Mitra said the ?romantic thriller? has in the lead Hrishita Bhatt (of Dil Vil Pyar Vyar and Haasil fame) and Priyangshu Chatterjee (of Tum Bin and Pinjar), both newcomers to Bengali films. Tollywood star Jeet, known for his hits like Champion and Saathi, also plays a lead role in the film.

Why not Rani? ?Date problem,? Mitra said. ?She is booked till 2008.?

Rani will not even make a guest appearances for her brother, a la Karan Johar?s Kal Ho Naa Ho or Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham. ?He (Rajaa) does not need her for any such role!? Mitra retorted.

?The music, by Lalit Pandit of the famous Jatin-Lalit duo, is mind-blowing,? Mitra claimed. The film will also feature the creations of fashion designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee, who will do ?some of Hrishita?s clothes?.

The film, to be shot for over a month in Darjeeling and Kalimpong and also Calcutta, is expected to be released in March-April next year.