Asira Tarannum (MID-DAY; July 3, 2014)

Music director Ismail Darbar is apparently finding it difficult to cast a leading actress in his maiden home production that will also see him turn director.

A source from the industry says that even though several actresses have been interested in the role and wish to work with Ismail Darbar, all of them are opposed to the idea of acting opposite Darbar’s unconventional choice for a hero, Ashutosh Rana. “Over the past few months, a slew of actresses have visited the music composer’s office showing an eagerness to do the film, provided the lead actor is not Ashutosh. Some even offered to get other popular actors on board,” says a source.

However, Darbar has declined all such offers and made it clear that only Ashutosh Rana can do justice to the his film. “In fact, the film’s script was written with Ashutosh in mind. The director has now put a notice outside his office, which says that the lead actor will not change, so only actresses who are fine with his choice should audition for a role,” says the source.

When contacted, Darbar confirmed the story. “From actresses and their managers to casting agents — they all want a change of actor but I won’t budge under any circumstances. I have put up a notice outside my office in order to make my stance clear,” he said.