Vivek Oberoi still to play Dawood Ibrahim?

When Sanjay Gupta approached the actor to play Dawood Ibrahim in Shootout At Wadala, it seemed like a casting coup. But later, it was reported that Vivek isn’t sure about the role, since he feels the character is too controversial.

He got a lot of acclaim for playing the real-life gangster Maya Dolas in Sanjay Gupta’s Shootout At Lokhandwala (2007). So when Gupta approached the actor to play Dawood Ibrahim in Shootout At Wadala, it seemed like a casting coup. But later, it was reported that Vivek isn’t sure about the role, since he feels the character is too controversial.

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Now, in new twist, Vivek — despite having his hands full with several biggies — is still apparently keen to be a part of the Shootout At Lokhandwala sequel. “The role seems tailor-made for Vivek. In fact, both Vivek and Gupta have been constantly in touch. So, it’s not as if Vivek has pulled out of the film completely,” says a source close to Vivek.

Although Vivek remained unavailable for a comment as he is shooting in Wai, his official spokesperson said: "Vivek is currently busy with Zilla Ghaziabad. So, it’s a bit too early to talk about Shootout At Wadala. Let him come back from Wai."

Apparently, makers of Shootout At Wadala have kept Dawood’s role open in the movie and are keen to get Vivek Oberoi in to step into his shoes. “Vivek and Sanjay have always shared a good professional and personal equation. So, let’s see how things go,” says the source. Currently, Sanjay is busy with pre-production for the film, which goes on floors in December.

Vivek, on his part, has his hands full with Zilla Ghaziabad, Krrish 2 and Gyrah Challis Ki Last Metro. Besides shooting for Zilla Ghaziabad, he is also going through rigorous training for his upcoming biggie, Krrish 2 that also featuring Hrithik Roshan and Priyanka Chopra.