Asira Tarannum (MID-DAY; February 1, 2014)

Veteran filmmaker J P Dutta, who is known to direct war films, is now working on the script of a film that will serve as a launchpad for elder daughter Nidhi. Buzz has it that she will be making her debut opposite former Miss India and actress Nafisa Ali’s son Ajit Sodhi.

The filmmaker had planned to launch his daughter two years ago but the film was put on the backburner as Reliance Entertainment, a co producer for the project, backed out citing the project’s low commercial viability.

A source in the industry reveals, "Dutta worked hard on the film and Reliance even signed a contract with the filmmaker. But then recession hit and the production house developed cold feet." Another source says that J P Dutta has signed a three-film deal with Ajit. “Apart from this film with Nidhi Dutta, he is part of Border 2 and one more film,” adds the source.

Ajit Sodhi’s mother Nafisa Ali confirmed the news. “My son is being launched by JP Dutta and I hope that he is met with the same love and affection that I have received from this industry,” she said. However, she refused to give out any further details.