Filmmaker Neeraj Pandey, who also wrote the much-loved novel, Ghalib Danger, has come out with a Hindi translation of his book. Actor Manoj Bajpayee, who has collaborated with the director in several films, launched the book in Delhi on 30 August.

Owing to the positive response garnered by its English version, which was released in 2013, Neeraj Pandey decided to treat the audience with the Hindi version. Talking about his decision to translate the book in Hindi, the Aiyaary director said, “The English version has reached a large audience and I wanted the book to be read by the Hindi readers too.”

Also read: Gali Guleiyan’s first look shows a ‘trapped’ Manoj Bajpayee

During the book launch held at the Constitution Club, Delhi, Manoj Bajpayee, who said he was overwhelmed to do the honours, read out a part of his favourite chapter from the novel for the audience.

At the event, Neeraj Pandey was asked if he ever produced a film on his book, would he cast Manoj for either of the main characters—Kamran Ali and Mirza. To this, the director replied in the affirmative. He said if he decided to make a film on Ghalib Danger, he would surely want Manoj to be a part of it.

“I am a greedy actor, I want to play both the characters, Kamran and Mirza,” Manoj Bajpayee quipped.

Earlier, Neeraj took to Twitter to share his excitement about the book launch. “Excited to embark on a new journey with the love and support from my dear friends #NaseeruddinShah and @AnupamPKher! #GhalibDanger,” he wrote.

Excited to embark on a new journey with the love and support from my dear friends #NaseeruddinShah and @AnupamPKher! #GhalibDanger@BajpayeeManoj @manojmuntashir @currentshah @ShitalBhatiaFFW @Shibasishsarkar @PlanC_Studios @FFW_Official @RelianceEnt @DoItTalent pic.twitter.com/5m8reWSUgb

— Neeraj Pandey (@neerajpofficial) August 29, 2018

The Gali Guliyaan actor too shared a sneak peek of the book on Twitter and wrote, “Here comes the Hindi translation of GHALIB DANGER written by my friend my favourite person and director NEERAJ PANDEY @neerajpofficial book will be out on 30th August.”

Here comes the hindi translation of GHALIB DANGER written by my friend my favourite person and director NEERAJ PANDEY @neerajpofficial book will be out on 30th August.@AjayBrahmatmaj @vinodkapri @avinashonly @varungrover pic.twitter.com/r1uFR4NifF

— manoj bajpayee (@BajpayeeManoj) August 29, 2018

Ghalib Danger, which Pandey says isn’t inspired by any real-life event, narrates the story of a Mumbai-based young taxi driver, Kamran Ali. He dreams to make it big in the city but Kamran’s life takes a turn after he saves the life of an underworld don, Mirza. This crucial incident changes the course of his life and paves his path into the mafia world. Kamran, eventually, dethrones Mirza but one of his philosophy stays in his mind, that is, Ghalib’s poetry can solve any problem. Hence, his notorious deeds and fondness for Ghalib’s poetry earned him the name, Ghalib Danger.

Read more: Manoj Bajpayee says Neeraj Pandey brings the best in him as an actor!

On the film front, Neeraj Pandey is gearing up for his next project Chanakya, starring Ajay Devgn, which is slated to release in 2019. On the other hand, Manoj Bajpayee has begun the promotions of his upcoming psychological thriller, Gali Guliyaan. The actor will also feature in Love Sonia, a film based on human trafficking. The film has already won the award in the category of Best Indie Film at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne.