Gaurav Dubey (MID-DAY; March 30, 2016)

It has been reported that Vidya Balan will feature in the Hindi remake of Srijit Mukherji’s Rajkahini, Begum Jaan, to be produced by Mahesh Bhatt. Now, the latest we hear is that the actress will not only essay the lead in the film but also be involved in the film’s casting.

The original film depicts the after effects of the Partition in Bengal in 1947 and how it affects the lives of 11 women in a brothel that finds itself divided by the newly-chalked out LOC, with half of the house in India and the other in Pakistan.

Says a source, “The actress along with Mukherji has already shortlisted actors, having scouted them from across the country, and will soon audition them extensively for the roles of the supporting cast.”

“Vidya really liked the script and expressed keen interest in participating in the casting process, and Srijit immediately agreed. The actress met several actors before she left for the shoot of Kahaani 2 and will resume casting on completion of that film”, adds the source.

Both Vidya and Bhatt remained unavailable for comment.