New Delhi, July 24 (IANS) Actor-director Rahul Bose's second directorial venture, based on Pakistani writer Mohsin Hamid's debut novel 'Moth Smoke', has been deferred till next year.

'The story of 'Moth Smoke' requires me to shoot in Delhi. I wanted to start my film by the end of 2008. But I realised that Delhi is usually very foggy during November-December and thus I had to push my plans,' Rahul stated in a release.

'I will now start shooting only in the beginning of next year,' added Rahul, who debuted as a director with 'Everybody Says I'm Fine' in 2001.

Set in Lahore, 'Moth Smoke' is the story of a banker, who loses his job, falls in love with his best friend's wife, and gets into a life of drugs and crime.

Rahul had already bought the rights of the novel for screen adaptation. There were rumours that the delay was a result of his multiple film commitments.

The actor wants to shoot some parts of the film in Lahore and says he will try his best to acquire the required permission to shoot in Pakistan.

'Shooting across the border is something I am looking forward to. But if I don't get permission, then I will have to start looking for other options,' Rahul said.

He refused to reveal the name of the artist who will play lead role.

Asked if he would himself play the protagonist, Rahul said: 'I am keeping my options open for that too. Though I did make a brief appearance in 'Everybody Says I'm Fine', it is too early to say anything about this film.'

Rahul rubbished rumours of having approached Sushmita Sen for the female lead.

'It is not true,' he said.