For the first time, then comedy king Govinda and Bengali director Aparna Sen are coming together for her maiden Hindi film ‘The Jewellery Box’.

Govinda will star opposite Aparna’s daughter Konkona Sen Sharma. Confirming the news, he says, “When Aparna Sen came to me with the role I was genuinely thrilled. It’s something I’ve never done before. Firstly, I’ve never worked with a female director. And that too with someone who has created such beautiful films. I’ve seen Mr and Mrs Iyer and I loved the film.”

Secondly, I’ve never shot in Kolkata. That’s another high for me because I love the city and the Bengali culture. The last time I was so excited was when I did Awaargi with Mahesh Bhatt. Unfortunately, I frittered away that opportunity due to my over-committed schedule. This time, I intend to do full justice to Aparna Senji’s wonderful script.”

Sen reluctant to divulge anymore information said, “When I met him the first thing that struck me was his comic timing. Govinda is a killingly funny human being. That’s the quality I’m going to tap in my film. I can see Konkona and he matches each other in perfect comic timing,” says Sen. Her English film film with Shabana Azmi, Rahul Bose and Konkona Sen - 15 Park Avenue - is getting ready for release.

‘The Jewellery Box’ delves into the lives of three generations of women. Govinda plays the hedonistic son of a zaminda’s family who turns a blind eye as the family crumbles into bankruptcy. Interestingly, Sharmila Tagore will star as a ghost in the film and Paresh Rawail is also a part of the cast. “Paresh is an immensely talented actor and I’m looking forward to directing him, Govinda and Sharmila whom I’ve never worked with before,” She says.

Sharmila’s daughter Soha Ali Khan will also feature in a double role. “I’m so relieved that I’m finally doing a Hindi feature. I’m a good filmmaker. But I’m a bad planner,” says Sen. The actors will have to undergo a rigorous bout of workshop before facing the camera. “At this point in my career I need this challenge,” says Govinda.