Mumbai, June 30: Filmmakers seem to be sharing very similar casting priority lists. And Sonakshi Sinha and Deepika Padukone seem to be classic examples.
Sonakshi was the first choice for K S Ravikumar’s Rana and Kamal Hassan’s Vishwaroobham, but with the actress having to opt out of both films, Deepika has been the second-best option.
Recently, Sonakshi opted out of Hassan’s bilingual film, in which she was to play his wife, due to her prior commitment to Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s project, Rowdy Rathod.
Her decision to opt out comes as a surprise since the actress was very enthusiastic when she initially signed the film. Even the age difference between Hassan and her did not hinder the actress from taking on the role. In a media report, Sonakshi stated, “I don’t think that age should be a bar to essay the role of Kamal Hassan’s wife.
When I stand before the camera, it is the role that matters. It is not an easy task to act with Kamal. I was a little scared, initially. Language too will not be a problem for me.”
However, Sonakshi’s enthusiasm had fizzled out, when the film failed to go on floors as scheduled. Shooting for the film was to start from the first week of June but the plan was squashed when director Selvaraghavan walked out of the project.
He reportedly stated that he could not commit to the project as much as needed. Hassan then decided to take on the directorial reins but has yet to announce when filming will commence, which has perturbed Sonakshi.
A source close to the actress told Mumbai Mirror, “All her excitement is a thing of the past. She has decided that she is not doing Kamal Hassan’s film. But trust me it wasn’t easy for her to take this decision.
She has lost her first opportunity to work with Kamal Hassan. Hassan had serious creative differences with Selvaraghvan. Then, Hassan decided to direct the project himself. And consequently, there were delays in production. “
With Hassan postponing the filming schedule, it clashed with Sonakshi’s dates allotted to Bhansali. The source added, “Sonakshi was extremely professional, while explaining her case to Kamal Hassan Productions. There is no animosity between Kamal Hassan and Sonakshi.”
Hassan’s search for a replacement is already on and Deepika seems to be the likely contender. Previously, Deepika had filled in for Sonakshi, who was the first choice for the Rajinikanth starrer, Rana. Reportedly, Rajinikanth was uncomfortable to pair up with his friend Shatrughan Sinha’s daughter.
Despite repeated attempts, Sonakshi remained unavailable for comment.
–Agencies