Lonavla, Sep 5 (IANS): Acclaimed actress Tannishtha Chatterjee was a perfect choice to play Dr Rakhmabai, said to be India's first practicing lady doctor, in a biopic, says the movie's director Anant Mahadevan.

Mahadevan and Tannishtha are both in the hill station near Mumbai for the Lonavla International Film Festival India (LIFFI) here.

IANS asked Mahadevan why he chose Tannishtha for the movie.

"I'm in love with her," he quipped in a jiffy, and added: "Jokes aside, Tannishtha understands my approach to cinema...

"I have been thankful that she did 'Gour Hari Dastaan', 'Rough Book'. And now, I think this film on Dr. Rakhmabai, as I see it, will be a logical culmination. She looks amazingly strong as Rakhmabai."

The Marathi movie will complete Mahadevan's planned trilogy of biopics. He earlier made "Mee Sindhutai Sapkal" on social activist Sindhutai Sapkal and "Gour Hari Dastaan" on freedom fighter Gour Hari Das.

"I like to make films on these people who have achieved a lot in life, but they are not known for it," Mahadevan said.

Of Dr. Rakhmabai as a character, he said: "She was India's first practicing doctor and emerged during the British rule when she fought against India's social system."

He said the movie and its subject will be very relevant in today's time when so many years have gone by, but a girl like Malala Yousafzai still gets shot at because she stands up for her right to get educated.

At LIFFI, Mahadevan's "Rough Book" featuring Tannishtha as a teacher with a difference was showcased.