Hiren Kotwani (DNA; January 14, 2019)

Last month, while promoting Zero, Shah Rukh Khan had briefly spoken about his next film, Saare Jahaan Se Achha, the biopic on Indian astronaut Rakesh Sharma. In fact, in an interview with After Hrs, he had also confirmed the movie’s name. The Mahesh Mathai directorial, which was being produced by him and Siddharth Roy Kapur, was supposed to go on floors next month. However, now SRK has reportedly opted out of the film.

Interestingly, Aamir Khan was initially committed to doing the biopic and Priyanka Chopra Jonas was signed up as his leading lady. But the Thugs Of Hindostan actor opted out due to other work commitments. Moreover, he had even suggested Shah Rukh to do the film. “Shah, you should hear the script, it is fantastic. It will be right for you, if you like it,” he had reportedly told the Zero actor. Aamir had apparently even shared his research material with Shah Rukh.

Much later, after SRK had confirmed doing the movie, he had been quoted as saying, “I thank Aamir, who was to do the film for calling me and telling me about the role as it would suit me. I will try and spend time with Rakesh Sharma.” Now, it remains to be seen which actor will be roped in.