Shahid's loss is Kunal's gain

The Rohan Sippy production also stars actor Nana Patekar. Hiren Kotwani tells more.

A year has gone by and Shahid Kapur hasn’t signed a single film. So it was relief that he had accepted a project couple of months ago. Alas! He’s walked out of that too. Kapur had signed Ramesh Sippy Entertainment’s untitled venture toplining Nana Patekar.

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To be directed by Rohit Shetty, the film was to commence in March. Shahid Kapur opted out. Kunal Kapoor has been roped in.

Confirming the news, Shahid said, “There were date issues. I couldn’t accommodate the film due to other commitments. I couldn’t give the dates that Ramesh Sippy and Rohit wanted. But we’ll work out something later this year.”

While Kapur was unwilling to go into the details, director Rohit Shetty elaborated, “We were supposed to begin filming earlier. Meanwhile, my other film, Sunday, fell into place. It’s being produced by Kumar Mangat and features Ajay Devgan, Arshad Warsi, Ayesha Takia and Irrfan Khan. So Rameshji’s film was pushed to June. Shahid had already committed those dates to Aziz Mirza for his next. So, we’ve signed Kunal instead.”

According to Shetty, “Shahid wasn’t playing the regular guy-next-door. It’s a mature role.” This hasn’t ruffled any feathers.. at least overtly.

Producer Rohan Sippy says, “Rohit’s and Nana’s dates were confirmed, but Shahid couldn’t reschedule his.” The movie is about a couple who meet Nana Patekar’s character and the story sets in motion.

Sippy states, “The script is well-written keeping the actors in mind. It’s a light-hearted family film.” The female lead and the rest of the cast are yet to be finalised. We’ll start shooting in June. Most of the film will be shot abroad.”