Sonali Joshi Pitale (MID-DAY; June 2, 2015)

The makers of Nach Baliye have been in talks with a few cricketers for the dance reality show’s finale. And the latest buzz suggests the Australian pacer Brett Lee might put on his dancing shoes at Preity Zinta’s behest.

A crew member says, “Preity, who is a judge on the show, has spoken to the producers and is trying to coax Brett for a guest performance in the final episode. If he says yes, he will match steps either with his partner or with a choreographer.” Brett, who was linked to Preity in the past, did a cameo in the 2009 Hindi film Victory and is now shooting for an Indo-Australian movie. Passionate about singing and playing the guitar, the Aussie bowler was part of a duet with Asha Bhosle too.

Other than Brett, the makers had also approached Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan and West Indies all rounder Kieron Pollard. An insider says, “Our team had a series of meetings with Shikhar, who was eager to participate with wife Ayesha Mukherjee. But he had to back out due to India’s Bangladesh tour which is scheduled to begin next week. Things did not work out with Kieron either as his fee was a bit steep.”

The show’s producer, Ekta Kapoor, remained unavailable for comment.