Shraddha Kapoor exits Ekta Kapoor’s high-concept thriller over fee disputes; producers recast lead while she explores new projects with top filmmakers
Ekta Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor
Show me the money
mid-day had reported that Shraddha Kapoor is set to do a film, produced by Ekta Kapoor, for which she had quoted a fee of R17 crore (Running to the bank, May 3). However, the buzz is that the actor is no longer attached to film, which was a high-concept thriller, directed by Rahi Anil Barve. Reading? Disagreements over financial terms! Sources claim Shraddha had demanded a fee of Rs 17 crore plus profits, which Ekta deemed too high for the film’s budget. We have learnt that the producers are now recasting the lead role and have initiated talks with other actors. Meanwhile, Shraddha is evaluating multiple offers and is in discussions with Dinesh Vijan, Boney Kapoor, and Bhushan Kumar for other projects. Rahi, on the other hand, has apparently resumed pre-production for his Netflix series Rakt Brahmand, which is set to recommence filming next month in Mumbai.
‘Want to make films in India’
Tom Cruise and Avneet Kaur
Tom Cruise has expressed his love for India, saying “Main aap sab se bahut pyaar karta hoon” [I love you all very much].” He fondly recalled visiting India in 2011. He praised Bollywood films, and expressed a desire to make a film in India featuring song and dance sequences. Cruise said, “I love it when in a scene someone suddenly breaks into a song. It’s so beautiful. I love the dancing, singing, and the actors,” he said while interacting with actor Avneet Kaur. He further shared that he appreciates the unique experience and craftsmanship of Bollywood actors who can sing, dance, and act. His film Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning released in Indian theatres on May 18, and is ruling the box-office.
Saif’s life-saver moment
(From left) Saif Ali Khan and Rani Mukerji in Hum Tum
Director Kunal Kohli recently revealed that Saif Ali Khan wasn’t the first choice for Hum Tum (2004). The filmmaker, in a conversation with Radio Nasha, shared that the role was initially offered to Hrithik Roshan, who felt uncertain about his career trajectory at the time. The actor had said, “I love the script, it’s beautiful, but I don’t think I’ll be able to pull this off.” Aamir Khan was approached next but declined due to personal issues. He had said that he was not in the right frame of mind to even hear the script as he was going through a divorce. Afrter Vivek Oberoi too declined the role, filmmaker Aditya Chopra suggested Saif, who went on to star alongside Rani Mukerji, for which he also won a National Award.
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