Naseeruddin Shah will star in Rajiv Rai's next film, to be shot in a start-to-finish schedule at foreign locales from next month. Arjun Rampal will also star in the film.

Rai was earlier toying with the idea of casting John Abraham in Shah's role.

Shah has earlier worked with Rai in Tridev, Vishwatma and Mohra.

Rati's protest against the flesh trade

Rati Agnihotri will play the protagonist in Dukaan, produced and directed by Iqbal Khan.

The film deals with women trapped in the flesh trade. Says Rati, "I play a rich lady who stays in an area where prostitution thrives. When I realise the ordeal these girls go through every day, I start working for their betterment."

Rambha, Deepshika, Vikaas Kalantri and Shahbaaz Khan comprise the rest of the cast.

Supriya in Bewafaa

Supriya Pathak (Kalyug, Bazaar etc) has joined the cast of Sridevi Productions' Bewafaa - The Unfaithful, to be directed by Dharmesh Darshan.

The film stars Anil Kapoor, Akshay Kumar, Kareena Kapoor, Sushmita Sen, Shamita Shetty and Manoj Bajpai.

Aruna Raje may direct for Venus and Tips

Director Aruna Raje (Shaque, Gehrayee, Rihaee) is as busy as a bee.

Having finished writing Andalib Sultanpuri's next film -- starring John Abraham, Bipasha Basu and Dino Morea (to be produced by Nasir Ahmed) -- she is ready to direct Kothri No 2, a play revolving around two prisoners.

She is also a consultant on the panel of Subhash Ghai's Film Academy. She will reportedly direct two films for Venus and Tips.