Esha not playing Chandramukhi,says Pritis

Esha not playing Chandramukhi, says Pritish Nandy

Producer Pritish Nandy has rubbished rumours that he has cast Esha Deol to play Chandramukhi in his version of "Devdas", which will be directed by Sudhir Mishra. "It's true that Shiney Ahuja and Lara Dutta have been confirmed for the roles of Devdas and Paro. But we're yet to cast Chandramukhi. The reports of Esha Deol being signed for the part are completely untrue," Nandy - who heads Pritish Nandy Communications - told IANS.

Interestingly Esha's mother Hema Malini had been cast as Chandramukhi in a shelved version of "Devdas" directed by Gulzar.

So who will finally play the danseuse-courtesan in yet another remake of Saratchandra Chatterjee's classic novel?

The part has been done to immortal grace earlier by Rajkumari, Vyjanthimala and Madhuri Dixit in the three versions of "Devdas" by P.C. Barua, Bimal Roy and Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

As far as Sudhir Mishra is concerned, he is very keen to give the part to Soha Ali Khan.

"I'm very keen on Soha. My Chandramukhi isn't a dancer at all. She plays an investment banker. Having said that let me tell you Soha is a good dancer. Watch her in my 'Khoya Khoya Chand' and you'll know," said Mishra.

Mishra and Soha have struck a splendid rapport after "Khoya Khoya Chand". The role was actually earmarked for Vidya Balan who opted out.

"Soha is a revelation. I'd work with her any time," the director said.

But Pritish Nandy Communications (PNC) has not confirmed Soha's role in the film.

Mishra's "Devdas" will be very different from its earlier versions. Though the three principal characters are from the original story, the director has decided to take their relationships to a new place and time zone.