New Delhi: Superstar Shah Rukh Khan has been in talks to play the lead in a biopic on Rakesh Sharma. And the actor is expected to begin shooting for the same after finishing Anand L Rai's romantic-drama 'Zero', in which he is playing a dwarf.
While there has been no official confirmation on the same, it was last reported that the film on the astronaut's life has been titled 'Saare Jahan Se Achha'. Now, a Bollywood Bubble report has claimed that actress Bhumi Pednekar has been cast opposite Shah Rukh in the film. Earlier names like of Kareena Kapoor Khan, Rani Mukerji and Priyanka Chopra have done the rounds as the lead actress for the film. However, since the film plot revolves around the lead protagonist and the role of the female lead, said to be Rakesh Sharma's wife, is unlikely to be meaty enough, some of the actresses were apprehensive about signing the project.
The film will be produced by Siddharth Roy Kapur and Ronnie Screwvala under their banners Roy Kapur Films and RSVP Films respectively.
Confirming the same, Screwvala told news agency PTI, "We are doing that film with Shah Rukh Khan. We should begin it by February or March next year, but we haven't announced the female lead yet."
Originally, the film was supposed to star Aamir Khan in the lead role and Priyanka Chopra was reportedly approached to play the female lead. However, Aamir later opted out of the project as he got busy with other project and recommended Shah Rukh for the role. After Aamir's exit, Priyanka too left the film.
The film was reportedly titled 'Salute' before 'Saare Jahaan Se Achcha'. The movie will depict the life of the Indian astronaut Rakesh Sharma, who was the first Indian to head into outer space. Back in 1984, when the then Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi asked Rakesh Sharma on his return how the country looked from outer space, he had replied saying - 'Saare Jahan Se Achcha'. Perhaps this could be one of the reasons why the makers have decided to name the film with Sharma's statement.
It will reportedly go on floors early next year.
