Ankur Pathak (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 26, 2014)

Several months and multiple auditions later, it seems Sooraj Barjatya has finally found the perfect guy to play Salman Khan’s younger brother in his upcoming film, tentatively titled Bade Bhaiyya.

Mirror has learnt that Neil Nitin Mukesh has been locked to play the role, for which Vidyut Jamwal was earlier approached.

 Added a source close to the film's production, “The makers have had lengthy discussions with Neil, who has consented to Sooraj in principle. But, he is yet to sign on the dotted line. That should happen in the next few weeks as Neil is really kicked about the film. Bagging a Sooraj Barjatya film could revive his career which hasn’t been in great shape lately following a series of duds.”

In case you are wondering how was Neil cast as Salman's brother, since the two don’t look even remotely similar, well here’s the twist in the tale: Neil will be seen playing Sallu's stepbrother in the film.

Added another source, “Neil is not the archetypal younger brother. His character is not negative but has shades of grey." Apparently, that was the reason Vidyut turned down the role.

The film will reunite Salman Khan with the Barjatyas after 15 years. They last worked together in the 1999 blockbuster Hum Saath Saath Hain. The superstar is looking forward to playing Prem again. 
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Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; February 26, 2014)

Word has it that Neil Nitin Mukesh has been approached by Sooraj Barjatya for his upcoming film starring Salman Khan. This project has generated enough buzz about its casting even before going on the floors. While there has been no formal announcement about Sallu’s female co-star, there has been buzz about Neil Nitin Mukesh playing his brother’s role in the film.

Says a source, “Sooraj has now pencilled in Neil for the project. The character has grey shades and since Neil is someone who loves to do dark roles, Barjatya thought that he was apt for the role.” Neil, whose last few films such as Shortcut Romeo, 3G and David did not create ripples at the box- office, is now looking to begin anew with this Barjatya production.

It may be pointed out that Barjatya had earlier approached Commando actor Vidyut Jammwal for the role, but the actor turned it down. According to the grapevine, Vidyut was not keen to play a role with shades of grey. The actor, however, claimed that he had to let go of the project due to date issues. Barjatya’s ambitious project, also starring Anupam Kher and Deepak Dobriyal, is set to go on the floors later this year.

Neil remained unavailable for comment.