Akshay replaces Ajay in London Dreams

London Dreams is being revived again with Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif and Akshay Kumar (provided dates get worked out). Akshay Kumar has been approached for Ajay Devgan's role after Ajay turned it down. London Dreams will now be produced by Vipul Shah and Delhi-based businessman Paramjit Singh. Vipul will direct. But Santoshi (the original director and story writer) is clueless about what's happening.

Says Santoshi, "I am not aware of this. It is my subject and I have designed and conceptualised it. Some time ago, Vipul had asked me if he could go ahead with it with Salman and Katrina, and told me clearly he wouldn't go ahead with it unless I give him my consent. He's a good guy and I know he won"t do something without asking me. I told him then that I had issues with the producer that were getting settled. I also said that if Salman wants to go ahead with the film with another director, he can. Whatever Salman is comfortable with, I am okay with that."

Change of guard

But this time around, when Vipul approached Devgan to do the role, he turned it down. The source says, "Ajay felt that as he had stood by Santoshi, it wouldn't feel right to go ahead with another director. That's when Vipul decided to approach his good friend Akshay Kumar for the role and this time Akshay is seriously considering it. He is trying to work out his dates, as his diary is full this year."

Santoshi says he doesn't know that Devgan has turned down the role and Akshay is being roped in. "I have been out of town and am unaware of these developments."

Long ago...

When Santoshi was doing the project, it was to be produced by Paramjit Singh, and the cast included Akshay, Salman Khan and Priyanka Chopra. There was a stalemate when Salman tried to get Priyanka replaced by girlfriend Katrina.

Says a source, "Santoshi didn't give in to Salman's demands as he didn't want to be unfair to Priyanka. When Santoshi got busy with his other commitments, Salman decided to revive the project again with Paramjit Singh and good friend Vipul Shah. They will both produce the film while Vipul will direct. Katrina will be the leading lady."

Cast undecided

Says a source to Paramjit Singh, "We are in negotiations with Vipul Shah to revive London Dreams. Ajay is not doing the film and though we are in discussions with Akshay Kumar, both he and Katrina are yet to be finalised. Katrina is also very busy today. We should be announcing the cast in a week"s time."

Vipul Shah says, "There is nothing to talk about as nothing is finalised yet."