Mumbai:
The mystery over who will play the lead role in the Bollywood adaptation of Chetan Bhagat's novel 2 States deepens.
While Imran Khan was said to be keen to do the film, buzz is that he had to opt out of it.
Apparently, the reason is that the actor's dates for the film were clashing with his next venture Milan Talkies, directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia. (Read: Imran Khan signs Tigmanshu Dhulia's Milan Talkies)
A source said, "Imran was very keen to do the film and also loved the subject of the film. He had even read the book and wanted the film to start next year. However, co-producer Sajid Nadiadwala was very keen that the film goes on the floors in November this year. Imran expressed his inability to shoot in November as he had already committed his dates to Tigmanshu Dhulia's film. He also wanted some days off to promote his film with Vishal Bharadwaj." Read: I couldn't imagine myself in Matru Ki Bijli Ka Mandola: Imran Khan)
The source added, "So, Sajid and Karan have decided that they would be looking for an ideal replacement for the film and have already zeroed down on a couple of names whom they are talking to."
Incidentally the film was earlier scheduled to star Shah Rukh Khan in the lead role and was to be directed by Vishal Bharadwaj. Even Ranbir Kapoor was supposed to do the film. Imran had later taken over the role from Ranbir.
Both Imran Khan and Karan Johar remained unavailable for comment.
While Imran Khan was said to be keen to do the film, buzz is that he had to opt out of it.
Apparently, the reason is that the actor's dates for the film were clashing with his next venture Milan Talkies, directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia. (Read: Imran Khan signs Tigmanshu Dhulia's Milan Talkies)
A source said, "Imran was very keen to do the film and also loved the subject of the film. He had even read the book and wanted the film to start next year. However, co-producer Sajid Nadiadwala was very keen that the film goes on the floors in November this year. Imran expressed his inability to shoot in November as he had already committed his dates to Tigmanshu Dhulia's film. He also wanted some days off to promote his film with Vishal Bharadwaj." Read: I couldn't imagine myself in Matru Ki Bijli Ka Mandola: Imran Khan)
The source added, "So, Sajid and Karan have decided that they would be looking for an ideal replacement for the film and have already zeroed down on a couple of names whom they are talking to."
Incidentally the film was earlier scheduled to star Shah Rukh Khan in the lead role and was to be directed by Vishal Bharadwaj. Even Ranbir Kapoor was supposed to do the film. Imran had later taken over the role from Ranbir.
Both Imran Khan and Karan Johar remained unavailable for comment.
