Amitabh Bachchan has been getting progressively experimental with his choice of directors.

After working with young directors like Aditya Chopra (Mohabbatein), Karan Johar (Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham) and Kaizad Gustad (Boom!), he has just shot with Farhan Akhtar (Dil Chahta Hai).

Back from a longish schedule of Akhtar's war epic Lakshya in Ladakh, Bachchan headed for another war epic, Anil Sharma's Ab Tumhare Hawaale Watan Saathiyon. "Farhan and Anil Sharma's war films are completely different. They are filmakers belonging to separate schools and sensibilities," he says.

He has now signed a film with the very unusual title of Dogs. Says Bachchan, "Director Mukul Abhiyankar came to me with this fascinating subject about an elderly man who finds his relationship with dogs to be more rewarding and meaningful than with human beings. I found the whole subject unusual."

What makes this project specially attractive is that it will costar Rishi Kapoor. "He's a marvellous actor, very accomplished. I had a wonderful time working with him in Manmohan Desai's films (Amar Akbar Anthony, Naseeb, Coolie). We need to work out the nitty-gritties now."

Though the Lakshya schedule in Ladakh was stressful -- shooting started at 3 am -- he found the experience rewarding. "The terrain in Ladakh is exceptionally beautiful. I have never been there before. I really enjoyed the experience of being ready with makeup early in the morning, climbing breathlessly up the hills. It was great to work in Farhan's setup. Everything is so meticulously planned. Everyone is so focused on work. Farhan is a wonderful director. A great deal of planning has gone into Lakshya."

The megastar adds, "It's obviously a great thrill to be working with a director as young and gifted as Farhan. But above that, there is the simulated thrill of getting in army uniform and fighting for the country, albeit in a make-believe setup. Our soldiers fight under incredible conditions. To simply touch soldiers' lives through cinema is a very fruitful experience."

Bachchan plays a commanding officer in Lakshya. "My role isn't large at all. The principal conflict involves Hrithik Roshan and Preity Zinta."

Regarding his son's latest release, Sooraj Barjatya's Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon, Bachchan says, "It's a departure from what Sooraj has been doing in the past. I find that exciting. The performances are very good. I thought [son] Abhishek was all right. He has a very small role. I think he has done it with a lot of dignity and grace."