MUMBAI: Bipasha Basu is eager to work with Nawazuddin Siddiqui, the toast of the season, in the supernatural thriller "Aatma", says the film’s director Suparn Verma.

Nawazuddin plays a lead for the first time in the film. The actor, who had long been overlooked, has become a name to reckon with after his performances in the critically acclaimed "Kahaani", "Paan Singh Tomar" and "Gangs of Wasseypur".

Verma, who called him a brilliant actor, said: "When we met, we had a very interesting and emotional meeting where he just fell in love with the film. He was on board. Bipasha is also very excited to have him as part of the film." 

"It will be a very interesting role that Nawaz will be playing," said Verma. 

Verma, who has directed movies like "Ek Khiladi Ek Hasina" and "Acid Factory", refused to share the details of Nawaz’s character, saying it was a secret. He just said that the actor will go into a hitherto untapped "emotional zone".

The director will be conducting solo workshops with Nawaz to prepare him for the part. 

"We will be spending a lot of time with each other. We will also be doing workshops, just me and him (Nawaz) locked up. It a very intense character. It involves shedding a lot of inhibitions, emotions and exposing yourself completely. It is more about tapping into the character’s emotions," he said.

Based in Mumbai, the film will also be shot in Panchgani. 

The release date will be announced shortly. Sharing the plans, Verma said: "Most likely we will shoot on 17th and 18th of this month and then we will shoot non-stop till the end of August."