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Gaurav Dubey (MID-DAY; June 20, 2016)

Milan Luthria’s upcoming film, Baadshaho, has been intermittently in news for casting woes. So far, Ajay Devgn is confirmed as the hero with Vidyut Jammwal — who came in place of Pulkit Samrat — as one of the parallel lead actors. Recently, trade buzz suggested that Diljit Dosanjh had also been signed for the multi-starrer. However, if sources are to be believed, Emraan Hashmi has now replaced him.

A source says, “Emraan has stepped into the project for an important role as things didn’t work out with Diljit. Now, the makers are focusing on locking in the main female lead, the casting for which has been quite iffy so far. They hope to sign an A-lister this week so that they are able to take the film on floors by August-September.” Diljit, a popular Punjabi actor-singer, made his B’wood debut with last Friday’s release, Udta Punjab.

As far as the female lead goes, names of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Priyanka Chopra have been tossed around, but an official announcement by the makers is awaited.

Emraan and Lutharia remained unavailable for comment.
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Diljit’s exit from Baadshaho ensures that the duo comes together, six years after Once Upon A Time...
Upala KBR (DNA; June 20, 2016)

Enlarge ImageWith Emraan Hashmi replacing Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh in Milan Luthria’s ambitious project, Baadshaho, starring Ajay Devgn and Vidyut Jammwal, things seem to be looking up for the film. With the latest development, the hit trio of Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai — Devgn, Hashmi and Luthria — are set for a reunion, after six years.

Baadshaho is inspired by real-life events during the Emergency and revolves around stolen gold, a thief (Ajay Devgn), an undercover cop (Vidyut Jammwal), a character inspired by Maharani Gayatri Devi (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan) and an army officer (Emraan Hashmi) who is entrusted with protecting the country’s treasure.

Says a source, “Diljit showed interest in the role of the army officer but then at the time of signing the contract, he quoted a fabulous sum as his fee. Actors use the big fat fee excuse to worm their way out of films. After Udta Punjab, he only wants to do meaty roles in Hindi films. In his next Phillauri, he will woo Anushka Sharma. Diljit now feels it’s better to go with solo leads rather than risk being lost in the big cast.”