Sunny and Shilpa sweat it out

It's scorching.

The sun is at its merciless best.

We find ourselves in a huge maidan in Bombay's Film City. A crowd has been assembled to make it look like a rally.

The assistant directors have a tough time keeping them under control. Director Maharajan goes over their lines.

They're restless but ecstatic to be shooting with Sunny Deol for Indian.

A few have little pads and pens ready for an autograph. A lucky few may get a picture with him too.

Shilpa Shetty emerges from her makeup room with an entourage in tow. A simple salwar kameez is what she's wearing, yet heads turn for a dekko.

Indian was originally to be made with Aishwarya Rai as Sunny's costar directed by Pahlaj Nihalani.

Rumours then had it that Manisha Koirala was being considered.

Eventually, as fate destined it, the film was made by Sunny himself, and directed by South Indian whiz Maharajan. Shilpa was roped in.

We join her for a chat before she gets to the stage.

"After my stint with Dhadkan, I got some really good offers. People noticed that I could act and did not have to do just glamour doll roles.

Though I love the naach gaana, it's a bit much if done all the time. I like emotional scenes the best.

The film talks of how a true Indian can inspire people to give to the country rather than expect something from it. I can't tell you too much about my role. I'm sure after Gadar, people will love this film too."

Sunny Deol seems to be going the Manoj Kumar way with all his patriotic-theme films. After writing off Dillagi, Indian is his next big project with Vijeta Films -- his family banner.

Sunny is still very optimistic and upbeat about Indian: "Indian is a film close to my heart."

"The subject inspired the actor in me. I love films that make India proud. I am a patriot. Why can't we try our hand at historical films too?" he asks.

Shilpa is called for the shot, which is canned after four takes.

Sunny sweats so much that the boy has to dab his face before each shot. Shilpa too has to retouch her makeup every now and again.

Now you know why filmmakers prefer the icy slopes of Switzerland to Film City!

The crowd goes wild after the shot is finalised. They all want to meet their hero.

Indian is its final post-production stage now.

Hoping to repeat the success of his films when released with those of Aamir Khan's, there were plans for Indian to release on August 10, along with Dil Chahta Hai.

But it has been postponed for an end-August release.