Writer and actor Pakhi Tyerwala has now turned director. Pakhi, who was last seen opposite John Abraham in Jhoota Hi Sahi has directed a short film, Kajal, which has a women-centric subject.

“Kajal is my first film as director, and it’s a very special film for me,” says Pakhi. “We wanted to do something on women empowerment, we didn’t want to do a cliché film. It’s basically about how the current system is fighting for women, but it’s about how if you don’t stand up for yourself, it really makes no difference.”

Pakhi, who is married to Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na director Abbas Tyrewala, plans to release Kajal only after a round at film festivals first. She says, “We are taking the movie to festivals and it has already been selected in a couple of them. We will actually release once we’re done with the festival circuit.”

Actress Salony Luthra, who had agreed to gain seven to eight kilos for her role, will feature in the movie.