Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 8, 2017)

Director Omung Kumar had earlier announced (Mirror, August 21), that he has signed Sanjay Dutt to play Jam Sahib Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji in a biopic on Nawanagar’s royalty, titled The Good Maharaja. He even went on to unveil a poster from the English-Polish production, hoping to beat Ashutosh Gowariker who is making a film on the same subject, to the finish.

But the film hit a roadblock even before the first shot was taken with the daughters and legal heirs of the Maharaja, Hershad Kumari and Himanshu Kumari, sending a cease and desist notice to Omung Kumar, co-producer Sandeep Singh and their joint venture, Legend Studios.

Now, Mirror has learnt that Sanjay is no longer a part of the film. The actor’s spokesperson confirmed the news, saying, “Sanjay Dutt is not doing The Good Maharaja with Omung Kumar.”

Omung and Sandeep were reportedly set to begin work on the film next month. With this second roadblock, their schedule could well be hit for a six till they find Sanjay’s replacement. Both Omung and Sandeep refused to take our calls.