Farhan Akhtar in a Cameo

Actor-director Manava Naik says Bollywood star Farhan Akhtar, who will be seen in a special appearance in Marathi film Por Bazaar, agreed to be a part of the movie just after reading the script. Manava is making her debut as a director with the film, which deals with child trafficking. "We needed somebody who is a thinker. We needed an actor who spreads social awareness. We were looking for someone more than just an actor. We approached Farhan looking at the great work he has been doing. The content that he puts across through his movies represents my thinking too. When we approached him with the script he agreed to work on the film. He was impressed with the content and that's why he agreed to work," said Manava.

Manava has made two short films in the past. Por Bazaar stars Ankush Chaudhari, Sai Tamhankar, Chitra Nawathe, Swanand Kirkire, Chinmayee Sumeet, Prajakta Kulkarni, Swarangi Marathe and Satya Manjrekar. It is set for release on September 19th. Manava started her career in showbiz as an actor in popular shows on TV like Special Squad and Baa Bahu aur Baby. She also tried her luck in Bollywood with a small role in Jodhaa Akbar and later shifted to Marathi cinema. "Acting was always a hobby for me. I have done all kinds of theatre and roles - right from children theatre to mainstream television. Direction was more like a conscious decision. I did two short films before directing Por Bazaar," said Manava.

-Siva Kumar