Abhishek: Ab Delhi door nahi!

By Subhash K Jha

Though both the parties are maintaining a tight-lipped silence on –record, it is safe and correct to state that Abhishek Bachchan who was the original choice for the role is finally doing Rakeysh Mehra's autobiographical Delhi 6.

The film chronicles the director's growing-up years in the Chandni Chowk area of Old Delhi, and the title refers to the postal pincode for the area where Rakeysh Mehra's film unfolds.

Abhishek, it would be remembered was always the first choice for the role. Mehra and the younger Bachchan, fast friends and creative collaborators since Rakeysh was supposed to direct Abhishek's debut in Samjhauta Express, fell apart over date problems.

The project then went to Hrithik Roshan (who said yes, then no since he didn't want any illwill with the Bachchans), Rang De Basanti's Siddharth (who also declined for reasons best known to him) and finally the bright superstar-in-the-making Ranbir Kapoor (who had a problem connecting with the script).

"Like they say, Daane-daane par likha hai khane wale ka naam. The world is indeed round. The fact that the project has returned to Abhishek proves it," says a source close to the project, while Abhishek in his habitually diplomatic way is cautious. "Right now, it's too early to talk about it."

He now leaves for Nambia for the shooting of Goldie Behl's Drona. The dates for Delhi 6 will be worked out when Abhishek returns.

The film is expected to be shot in the summer of 2008 in Delhi.