Mumbai, Aug 21 (IANS): Debutant director Ahishor Solomon, who is debuting as director with "John Day", says he is thankful to the Bhatts for mentoring him and exposing him to the process of filmmaking.

"I am very thankful to Pooja Bhatt and Mahesh Bhatt, who gave me wide exposure to the process of filmmaking. I have assisted them in films, including 'Jism', 'Paap' and 'Rog'. I was involved with the projects right from the beginning. I do consider them as my mentor," Solomon told IANS.

He is a first-timer, but he succeeded in roping in a seasoned actor like Naseeruddin Shan to play the title role in "JOhn Day". Solomon says the script did the trick.

"I didn't have to convince him. He is one actor who reads the script before meeting the people. He liked the script, which I had sent to him and then he said 'yes' to the film," said Solomon

The cast also features Randeep Hooda and Shernaz Patel, among others.

"As far as Randeep is concerned, I wanted to cast him right from the beginning. One fine day I went to watch 'Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai' (which starred Randeep) and the idea to cast him struck me," he added.