Farah Khan seems quite excited about her new directorial film, Tees Maar Khan. The director has her cast -- Akshay Kumar, Akshaye Khanna and Katrina Kaif -- in place, and the shooting is set to start on March 1.

She hopes to fix the release date at December 24 too, if 'Aamir Khan spares those dates for her.' 

Tees Maar Khan has been written by her husband Shirish Kunder.

Farah talks to Nithya Ramani about the film, and also says that there is no bad blood between Shah Rukh Khan and her.

How did you decide on Katrina?

I wanted a new girl, someone like Katrina. I met her, and narrated the story to her. She asked me why I was looking for someone like Katrina when she herself was available. She's very apt for the role. She's the number one actress today. More importantly, she shares a great track record and chemistry with Akshay.

I had heard that I had approached Priyanka Chopra, Sonam Kapoor and Freida Pinto for the role but that is not true.

What about Akshay Kumar and Akshaye Khanna?

Well, Akshay Kumar was easy because the story was written keeping him in mind. Shirish wrote the script for Akshay. When you watch the film, you will see that he is perfect for the role.

Akshaye Khanna's role is not the title role but it is a fabulous one. I was initially apprehensive whether to approach him for a film where another actor was playing the lead. But Akshaye loved the script and realised that without his character, the film could not proceed. The character needed an actor of great comic timing. And who better than Akshaye Khanna?