PRIYANKA To Play PRIYA RAJVANSH In MEGHNA GULZAR'S Next

Originally posted by: Thrasher

Efforts are on to kickstart a biopic on Priya Rajvansh - who was found murdered 15 years ago -- in the Juhu bungalow where she had continued to live after the passing away of her mentor and constant companion, director Chetan Anand.

The script has been adapted from a book written by the TV corporate executive Subodh Lal. Producer Shanoo Mehra, son of the late character actor Jankidas, has been obsessed about this project since he knew her closely and believes that justice has not been done to the memory of the actress.

So what's delaying the project? He says it's the casting of the lead actress, adding, "Kangana Ranaut started jumping with excitement when she heard the script narration. But ever since she scored a few big hits in recent times, she is flying high. She has become inaccessible. As a result, I am thinking of casting another actress as Priya."

Like who, we asked. Answer: Priyanka Chopra, who has been sent the script, has promised to revert. Meanwhile, the producer states that Sonakshi Sinha has also expressed interest in essaying the role.

Meghna Gulzar has been approached to direct the project. But the producer says, he is not sure whether she will accept the project since she has already directed the murder-themed Talvar.

Priya is best remembered for her films directed by Chetan Anand, particularly Haqeeqat (1964), Heer Raanjha (1970) and Hanste Zakhm (1973).

The murder of the actress, at the age of 63, has been engulfed in mystery. Reportedly, it was sparked by a property dispute over the Juhu bungalow. One version stated that she was strangulated to death; another stated that she passed away after a heart attack.

Ketan and Vivek Anand, sons of Chetan Anand along with the bungalow's domestic help Mala Chaudhary and accomplice Ashok Chinnaswamy, were convicted in the case. An appeal was subsequently made to the High Court by the Anand brothers.

In effect, the Priya Rajvansh case continues to be shrouded in mystery which producer Shanoo believes makes for ideal movie material. As for the legalese involved in making such a film, he states that it has been strictly adapted from the book which is titled Priya Interrupted.

The Priya Rajvansh murder had even caught the attention of Kalpana Lajmi, who had expressed her wish to make a biopic on her in 2012. It was rumoured that she wanted to cast Madhuri Dixit in the lead.