Sonali Joshi Pitale (MID-DAY; November 24, 2015)

Nikhil Advani’s next, Bazaar, has long been in news due to casting issues. Last month, hitlist had reported about the project being put on the backburner apparently since Hrithik Roshan, the original lead hero choice, remained non-committal about it. While the director has denied offering the film to Hrithik, sources suggest that Akshay Kumar has now been approached for the film.

A source says, “Hrithik heard the script, but couldn’t sign it because he is busy with other projects. Nikhil recently approached Akshay and feels he can do justice to the role. He is working with the actor in his next production, Airlift, and they share a comfort level. So, Akshay might just take it up.”

At the moment, the star has three films in his kitty — Airlift, Namastey England and Rustom. Nikhil and Akshay remained unavailable for comment, but a source close to the project says, “The director’s last two films (Hero and Katti Batti) did not do well at the box office and when Hrithik decided against signing Bazaar, it was a setback for him. He had decided to focus on Airlift until January, but now he is keen to revive the project by signing Akshay.”