By Hindustan Times

New Delhi, July 4 -- I liked Anusha's (Anusha Rizvi, writer-director) script the first time she narrated it to me," enthuses Aamir Khan (left), after unveiling the first theatrical promos of his forthcoming production, Peepli Live (below). Surprisingly, Rizvi was missing in action. Khan attributed her absence to personal issues that kept her in Delhi.

Though all his films have his trademark stamp, Khan dismisses reports that he interfered in the making of Peepli Live: "Anusha did some test shoots to show us how she wanted to make the film. I liked the results and that boosted my confidence. I like to involve myself in the scripting and the pre-production, and to a certain extent in the post-production, too. But not once did I go on location."

The film is about the media circus that follows the announcement of a farmer, Natha, committing suicide. Pointing out that Rizvi had been a TV journo, Khan joked that the media should support her since she was from their 'biradri' (fraternity).

Talking about the actors, most of whom are facing the camera for the first time, Aamir says "Having seen the film, I can say that their performances are better than my best." The Rs 10 crore-film opens on August 13.