As reported in ‘Paanch ka Teen’ (HiTLIST, February 26), Leela Yadav’s Teen Patti starring Amitabh Bachchan and Arshad Warsi had been delayed from November to March. Morever, now Arshad has walked out — when the film is finally about to roll.

Reasons

The constant changes in the script and the fluctuating schedules have pushed for Arshad’s exit. A source at the production source reveals, “There were too many changes in the dynamics of Teen Patti. Mr Bachchan wanted to change the entire climax, as he felt that it revolved around the younger leads and not on him. He asked the makers to rewrite his role. The only reason he has stayed connected to the project is that he was paid handsomely for it.”

Impatient?

Meanwhile, even though Arshad was keen to work with Bachchan, he got tired of waiting for the film to start, and with the constant changes. “He has now returned his signing amount. The makers are in a fix, as shooting begins this week and they don’t have an actor,” the informer adds.

The makers are now on the look out for an appropriate replacement. They are in talks with Aashish Chaudhry and should decide by Monday.

Arshad Warsi remained unavailable for comment. But a source close to Warsi admits, “He has returned the signing amount of the film just a few days back.”

Ajay, Akshaye were also considered

Ajay Devgan and Akshaye Khanna were also approached for Teen Patti. The informer reveals, “Ajay was the first actor to be approached. He demanded Rs 7 crore and the producers were willing to pay. However, he could not give them the dates they wanted. Aksaye Khanna was approached and he liked the subject but he too couldn’t be a part of Teen Patti because of the dates.”