Sometimes one story ends, so that another can begin! SHARARAT, directed by Gurudev Bhalla, tells the story of 'Ashiyana' – a home away from home.

"SHARARAT is a daringly different film that revolves around a young boy (Abhishek Bachchan) who, due to circumstances, has to spend 30 days of his life in an old age home. Abhishek plays a young, fun-loving car freak," states Gurudev Bhalla.

A character sketch of the principal characters of SHARARAT:

* Abhishek Bachchan plays Rahul, who never took life seriously. But one mischief changed his life forever.

* Hrishitaa Bhatt is Neha, who knew him… before he knew himself.

* Amrish Puri is Prajapati, the unelected leader of 'Ashiyana'. Old he may be, aged he is not. Authoritative and enthusiastic, his tough exterior conceals a soft heart. He does not demand respect… he commands it!

* Helen is Anuradha Mathur, the epitome of motherhood. Loving and forgiving. Why then are her eyes moist and her smile sad? Why was all that she loved taken away from her?

* A.K. Hangal is Gajanan Desai, the eldest resident of 'Ashiyana'. Beneath his frail, defeated frame, lies a volcano of hurt and despair. Concealed due to his inherent self-respecting streak. But will the volcano ever erupt?

* Dara Singh plays Mr. Gujral, a strapping 'old' man. Circumstances bring him to 'Ashiyana' and what comes with him are a bagful of smiles. He is at peace, willing to take on life as it comes.

* Daisy Irani is Mrs. Gujral, the better half of Mr. Gujral. Bouncy, matronly and superstitious, she is constantly at loggerheads with her husband. It is nevertheless their love that makes her believe that home is where the heart is.

* Tinnu Anand is Saifuddin, the oldest inhabitant of 'Ashiyana'. He is slow, yet restless. Helpful, yet often helpless. Curious to know, yet quick to forget. His forgetfulness is taken lightly, until one day the repercussions are too serious to ignore.

* K.D. Chandran is Subramaniyam, impressionable and impressive. A self-respecting man. Once hurt, it is difficult for him to come around. He believes that all his decisions are his own. Is he fooling himself?

* Shubha Khote is Shanta Deshpande, who may have retired, but retiring she is not. Loud and dictatorial, her strict demeanour is her hallmark. But even she understands the universal language of love.

* Viju Khote is Keshav Deshpande, who always has a worried look, with words unsaid. After-effects of his sister Shanta Deshpande's presence. He is still her 'little brother' and under her restraining thumb.

* Pratap Oza is Kailash Oza, the proverbial benign 'rocking chair' grandpa. A bystander, he is a man of few words. But do not mistake this for nonchalance. Because his mind is burdened by many unanswered questions.

"SHARARAT caters to that stratum of society that loves pure entertainment. Every form of entertainment has been incorporated in the film, so that the viewer comes out feeling satisfied thoroughly. Meri film kabhi hansati hain to kabhi rulati hain. It has everything for the youth of today," Gurudev adds.

SHARARAT co-stars Mohnish Bahl, Ashish Vidyarthi, Anjan Srivastava, Raj Zutshi