June 25, 2010 (Sampurn Wire): Sex always sells, and more importantly, it merits attention. May be it was the hype surrounding the nude scenes involving British actor Aruna Shields that saw some of the biggest names showing up at the first screening of debutant director Pravesh Bharadwaj’s bold film Mr.Singh Mrs.Mehta.

Seasoned actor Anil Kapoor was the star attraction at the film’s premier held at PVR Cinema (Juhu) Mumbai. Dressed in a cool black suit, Kapoor was among the late entrants. He didn’t appear to be in a mood to oblige the few journalists. After speaking to friends like Bharadwaj and Satish Kaushik, Kapoor dispersed into a room. The door had a plate that read “refuge’.

Other prominent stars present were Mr. and Mrs. Shakti Kapoor and daughter Shraddha. Pawan Malhotra, Padmini and Tejaswani Kolhapure. Boney Kapoor was among the first guests to arrive but he left before the screening. TV stars like Iqbal Khan, Pawan Shankar, and Karan Oberoi, who seemed to be enjoying his single status, were also there.

Aruna Shields, the leading lady of the film, garnered maximum attention from one and all. The drop, dead, gorgeous British actor answered queries on the bold scenes with aplomb. Lead actor Prashant Narayannan wore casuals, with his beard making him look different as usual.

The screening commenced, a good two hours behind the scheduled time. Once it was over, many guests left for their homes.

Set in London, Mr.Singh Mrs.Mehta is tale of infidelity. Neera (Shields) and Ashwin (Prashant Narayanan) are shocked to discover that their respective spouses are having affairs. Drawn together by shame and anger, they find comfort in their growing friendship even as they resolve not to be like their unfaithful mates.

–Mayur Lookhar /Sampurn Wire