Everyone has been focusing on how and why Arjun Rampal was asked to leave Rang De Basanti just days before shooting. But apparently Aamir Khan had nothing to do with the eleventh hour replacement.

It was just felt that Arjun - who incidentally has been added to Karan Johar's bulging cast in Kabhi Alvidaa Na Kehna now - was not suitable.

Arjun's role has now gone to the Tamil-Telugu star Sidhartha who recently played Vivek Oberoi's role in the Tamil version of Mani Rathnam's Yuva.

But there's a bigger casting surprise in Rakesh Mehra's much talked-about post-Aks production Rang De Basanti. And it's the other Tamil star Madhavan.

Arjun Rampal was asked to leave Rang De Basanti just days before shooting
Unknown to all of Mumbai, Madhavan quietly flew into Mumbai and flew out just as surreptitiously to Chandigarh with the rest of the unit to shoot for the film.
Contrary to reports, Soha Ali Khan isn't paired opposite Aamir but opposite Madhavan in the film.

His role in Rang De Basanti stretched itself to only 10 days of shooting and will be billed as a very special appearance.

When seen in conjunction with his full-fledged comeback to Hindi films in Ramji Londonwale, which is due in July, Rang De Basanti acquires a new hue. While in one the Tamil hotshot is present in almost every frame, in the other he has to make an impact in a film that belongs predominantly to Aamir.

Apparently Aamir has been a gracious co-star and a warm host in Mumbai, inviting Madhavan and his wife for dinner and making every possible effort to make the Tamil star feel at home.

So much for the image of jealous scene-stealer that Aamir has acquired after the highly publicised run-ins with various male and female co-stars, from Juhi Chawla and Kajol during Ishq to Aishwarya Rai - who incurred the mighty Aamir's wrath when she said 'no' to The Rising only to have good friend Rani Mukherjee step into the role - and Arjun Rampal.

- IANS