Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 7, 2017)

Mirror (September 23) was the first to report that Anil Kapoor and daughter Sonam have been roped in for Shelly Chopra’s directorial debut, titled Ek Ladki Ko Dekha To Aisa Laga. It’s the first film in which the father-daughter duo is sharing screen space. Now, Mirror has learnt that Rajkummar Rao has been roped in to play Sonam’s love interest and the trio is expected to start shooting early next year.

A source close to the development reveals, “Sonam and Raj have earlier worked together in Dolly Ki Doli where her character conned him into marrying her. This one will explore their onscreen chemistry better.”

When quizzed on the subject, the actor had appeared guarded, refusing to be drawn into a straight ‘yes’ or ‘no’. “If it happens I’ll be happy. Right now I’m busy promoting my two upcoming films, Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana and Omerta. I’m a big fan of the films Vinod (Chopra) sir makes under his banner and have long admired his vision.” Messages and calls to Shelly went unanswered.

Meanwhile, Rajkummar will resume shooting for the romantic musical Fanney Khan from next month. A fractured ankle has put him out of action temporarily but Anil Kapoor and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan are on track. Sonam is busy filming sister Rhea’s Veere Di Wedding in Thailand with her girl gang, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Swara Bhaskar and Shikha Talsania.