Nawazuddin Siddiqui replaces Farhan Akhtar in ‘Raees’

When news emerged that Excel Entertainment were going to bring together Shah Rukh Khan and Farhan Akhtar on screen, no doubt it was hard to contain the audienc’s excitement. However, Akhtar clarified that he was never meant to star in the project and in the role reports said he would be seen in, Nawazuddin Siddiqui may well be cast.

Siddiqui is apparently in advanced talks for the movie which will be directed by Rahul Dholakia. He would play the role of a cop while Shah Rukh Khan would be seen as the don.

A source told Mumbai Mirror, “That’s the reason Farhan was drawn to it as soon as he heard the script. But with Shah Rukh’s injuries the shoot of Raees got pushed forward. Zoya’s (Akhtar) Dil Dhadakne Do also got delayed and eventually Farhan’s dates for Raees were clashing with those that he had allotted to Bijoy Nambiar’s film for Vinod Chopra. Farhan eventually realised that he would have to let this film go as he didn’t want to delay the project any further. If all goes well, Raees should now roll post monsoon”.

The film will see Siddiqui play a considerable role along with Khan. Excel Entertainment were not available for comment.