By Subhash K. Jha

Mumbai, Oct 31 (IANS) Director Sujoy Ghosh, whose "Aladin" has been slammed by critics, got the surprise of his life when Amitabh Bachchan, who plays the genie in it, offered him much-needed tonic.

On seeing how nervous and depressed Ghosh was, Big B impulsively told him: "Okay, go ahead announce your next film with me."

Since then, the director is on cloud nine.

"I can't get over the moment. When the world was slamming my film, he stood up for me and supported me. Some critics have slammed the film as though it's the worst film in the universe. That's four years of my life," Ghosh told IANS.

"Aladin" is a contemporary take on the classic fairy tale and Riteish Deshmukh plays the title role.

"Please remember, it's supposed to be a kids' film," said Ghosh.