Sallu wants Kat, not Priyanka

By: Upala KBR, Mid-Day

Wednesday, July 26, 2006

Raj Kumar Santoshi's long cherished project, London Dreams, appears to be in trouble.

The film stars Salman Khan, Ajay Devgan and Priyanka Chopra, and the first schedule has been completed at the Golden temple in Amritsar. But now, Salman wants girlfriend, Katrina Kaif to do the film instead of Priyanka, in spite of Priyanka being committed to do the film.

Kat ke kitty ke liye

In a confrontation with Priyanka a few days ago, Salman asked her to opt out of the film. Says a source from the unit, "Salman has been telling Rajji for a long time that he wants Katrina and not Priyanka.

It has put Rajji in a massive dilemma as Priyanka has already given dates for the film. Things came to a head a few days ago when Salman met Priyanka and told her that Katrina was always doing the film and that Priyanka had come in between, which wasn't the truth."

The incident has upset Santoshi a great deal, and he's very angry. "It's very unprofessional of Salman to ask a heroine who has been finalised by the director and producer to opt out for personal reasons.

Rajji feels it is his duty to stand by Priyanka after what Salman has done. But the producer worships Salman and is willing to accommodate Katrina," adds the source.

Comment confusion

When contacted, Santoshi said, "I can't comment on the issue. The producer of the film will be the best to comment on this."

Producer PJ Singh says, "It's not true that Salman wants any particular actress. The heroine has not been finalised yet. Various options are being considered according to the availability of dates."

But wasn't Priyanka confirmed and gave her dates, too? "Nobody has been finalised as our shooting dates are yet to be confirmed," says Singh.

But Priyanka's business manager, Chand Agarwal, differs, saying, "Priyanka is very much a part of London Dreams. Her dates have been given and she's committed to doing the film."

Vikas Kapoor, Salman's business manager and the associate producer of London Dreams says, "Right now, I can't say whether Priyanka or Katrina is doing the film. It's too early to comment. I should know after a week."

But what about Salman's behaviour? "Salman bhai wouldn't interfere. It's the producer and director's call," says Kapoor.

What is London Dreams about?

The movie is about a rock band based in England. Salman Khan and Ajay Devgan are childhood friends and play rock musicians.

London Dreams is about individuals and their dreams and desires brought together by music.

The shooting for the film commenced with an initial stint at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The unit will move to London on August 15 for the second schedule. A couple of actors from London will be in the cast, along with an African-English actor. Auditions for this role are currently in progress.

A R Rahman will compose the music for the movie, while the screenplay is by Sridhar Raghavan. Eighty per cent of the story unfolds in London, while the rest takes place in India.