'Bhootnath' brings Bachchan, Shah Rukh together

MUMBAI (Reuters) - There were no sparks flying when Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan met on the sets of "Bhootnath," says the film's producer.

The Bollywood stars, portrayed by the media as locked in a popularity battle, share screen space in the film which sees Bachchan playing a friendly ghost.

"They bonded big time on the sets and atmosphere was very cordial," says Ravi Chopra. "They spoke regularly during filming and even played Trivial Pursuit together."

For years, India's celebrity-obsessed media has pitted the two against each other comparing their acting, star power, fan following and box office fortunes.

Bachchan and Khan have largely avoided commenting but they have occasionally taken subtle digs at each other.

But Chopra says reports of a rift are mere speculation.

"People have to see them together. They are very friendly," he said.

"Bhootnath", directed by Vivek Sharma, will see the two superstars working together for the first time since "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna" in 2006.

"The film is about a beautiful relationship between a child and the grandfather," Chopra said. "Bachchan plays the grandfather who is also a ghost and Shah Rukh plays the father who triggers the climax."

The producer said 65-year-old Bachchan is the USP of the film since he hogs maximum screen space.

"Bhootnath" is set to release on April 11.