Aamir Khan and Ashutosh Gowariker’s upcoming sports drama Lalkaara has reportedly undergone a major casting change. Farhan Akhtar has stepped away from his acting role in the film, with Jubilee actor Sidhant Gupta taking his place.
Farhan is believed to have exited the project because of a scheduling conflict with his upcoming film based on the life of legendary music composer R.D. Burman. Directed by Neeraj Pandey, the biographical drama will require the actor to undergo extensive preparation and remain fully committed to the project until filming is completed.
At the same time, Lalkaara requires its actors to complete several months of cricket training before beginning a lengthy shooting schedule. Managing the preparation and production demands of both films reportedly became difficult, leading Farhan to prioritise the R.D. Burman biopic and amicably leave the sports drama.
Although he will no longer appear in the film, Farhan remains involved with Lalkaara as a producer. He and Ritesh Sidhwani are backing the project through Excel Entertainment in association with Rajkumar Hirani Films.
The casting change is not expected to affect the proposed production schedule, as the makers have reportedly finalised Sidhant Gupta as Farhan’s replacement. Sidhant will play one of Aamir Khan’s friends in the film.
The actor is known for his performances in series including Inside Edge, Jubilee, Black Warrant and Freedom at Midnight. His reported addition brings him into one of the most ambitious projects currently being developed around Indian cricket history.
Lalkaara is based on the historic 1952 Test series between India and Pakistan. Aamir Khan will portray Lala Amarnath, independent India’s first cricket captain, who led the national team during the first Test series played between the two countries after Partition.
Filming for Lalkaara is currently scheduled to begin in Mumbai on October 1. Further details about the cast and release plans have not been announced.