The Rakesh Sharma biopic was first offered to Aamir Khan, who opted out of it later. Then, Shah Rukh Khan was roped in to play the cosmonaut in the space drama whose title was changed from Salute to Saare Jahaan Se Achha. However, After Hrs recently informed you that the Zero actor, too, has stepped down from the project. While the official confirmation on either of the news was never made, the makers of the film — Ronnie Screwvala and Siddharth Roy Kapur — have zeroed in on two actors from Gen Y.
A source says, “After SRK’s exit, Ronnie and Siddharth decided to cast a younger face to play Rakesh’s role. The story revolves around his mission to be the first Indian in space and he was 35 when he achieved this feat. So, they decided to sign one of the actors from Gen-Y.”
Although several names were doing the rounds, a source from the production team informed us that the top contenders are Vicky Kaushal and Kartik Aaryan. While the former is in great form at the box office after Uri: The Surgical Strike, the latter has Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety under his belt. “Mahesh Mathai, who is directing the biopic, has met Kartik, but they haven’t had a narration yet. Meanwhile, Vicky was spotted at Siddharth’s office a few days ago,” adds the source.
After Hrs was the first to inform you that Imtiaz Ali has roped in Kartik Aaryan and Sara Ali Khan for his next. There’s immense curiosity among cinegoers to catch the jodi on screen, especially after whatever conspired once the Kedarnath heroine expressed her desire to go on a coffee date with the Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety actor. But now, there’s a new addition to the entire cast.
Our source reveals, “Saif Ali Khan has been roped in to play an important role in the romcom, which will be a sequel to his own hit film with Imtiaz — Love Aaj Kal. This will be the first time that Saif will be sharing screen space with his daughter Sara. It’s not just a cameo but a full-fledged role. He will play the role of Sara’s father on screen as well.”
When makers were scouting for an older hero to step in, Imtiaz immediately thought of Saif. “It was the obvious call he made, given that it is Love Aaj Kal 2 and the core idea of the plot remains the same. Like Rishi Kapoor in the original, Saif, too, will have a prominent part in Sara and Kartik’s relationship here.”
Currently, the team is busy locking dates since all the three actors have agreed on principle. “Their combination dates also need to be worked out. So once that happens, Imtiaz plans to roll this film sometime around mid 2019.”
After Hrs was the first to tell you that Kartik Aaryan has been roped in for Imtiaz Ali’s next film. Apparently, the Jab Harry Met Sejal director had two scripts in place and locked one with the Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety actor. The film is expected to go on floors in February 2019. Now, we have learnt that the leading lady has also been finalised.
It’s Sara Ali Khan!
Our source reveals, “It’s another unique love story, which will invariably have a slight travelogue flavour, like all Imtiaz films. He wanted a new actress opposite Kartik. He had seen a few rushes of Kedarnath and felt Sara has a great screen presence and is good at delivering dialogues. He approached her with the script and the newbie liked the idea.”
The source adds, “They sat for narrations. Now, the star daughter, who has a strong role in the romantic drama, has finally given her nod. The modalities are being worked out. She will start the film next year after both her movies — Kedarnath and Simmba — release next month,” the source informs.
Family connection
Interestingly, Imtiaz has also worked with her dad, Saif Ali Khan, in Love Aaj Kal (2009). “When Saif got to know that the filmmaker has offered Sara a movie, he was happy. He doesn’t make professional decisions for his daughter, but he feels the writer-director will tap into her potential. Sara’s mom, Amrita Singh, loved the story when she heard it,” adds the source. We texted Sara, but she didn’t respond till the time of going to press.
After a lot of speculation, a couple of weeks back it was finally revealed that Kartik Aaryan, has signed his next which is Dinesh Vijan’s next – Luka Chuppi. After the superhit Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety, the actor is in much demand in the industry and his fans want to see more of him. Now we hear that the actors have begun the prep for Luka Chuppi which will go on floors soon. The film is going to be shot in Mathura, Agra and Kartik’s hometown, Gwalior.
It was reported that Kartik Aaryan will play the role of a star reporter for a local TV channel in Mathura while Kriti Sanon will play his love interest. The actors will need to speak in the local dialect and get the right lingo, and hence the two have started the prep days before going on floors for it. Luka Chuppi promises to be a fun-filled love story which will be directed by Laxman Utekar and knowing Kartik’s comic timing, we are sure we are in for some great time. Kartik Aaryan and Kriti Sanon will be seen together on the big screen for the first time and their chemistry will be perfect for a quirky rom-com.
Apart from Luka Chuppi, Kartik Aaryan has also signed the Hindi remake of Kannada blockbuster, Kirik Party. The film was a great success down South and now the remake is all set to be made. Rumours suggest that Jacqueline Fernandez will be seen opposite Kartik Aaryan in the film, yet another fresh pairing for the young actor. We must say, the success of SKTKS has worked wonders for this promising actor and he is leaving no stone unturned to give his fans and the industry his best. All eyes on you Kartik!