Rekha & Hema together again...

By Subhash K Jha

Two of Bollywood's most enduring screen queens are quits. If Shabana took over what was originally meant to be Hema's part in Rohit Roy's short-film Rice Plate (Rohit wanted a real Tamilian Brahmin to play the role) Hema has now taken over what was first offered to Shabana in Raj Kanwar's Sadiyaan.

Prolific but lately subdued director, Raj Kanwar has been desperately trying to hide casting plans for his "mature love story".

True to its title the casting seemed to take up centuries, what with Shabana Azmi saying no to one of the leads alongside Rekha who was very kicked about the film.

"It's a dream role. But you'll have to ask Raj Kanwar about it. He has planned a superb cast," Rekha had said excitedly.

If Kanwar had his way he would've cast Shabana and Rekha with the ever-dependable Rishi Kapoor playing the lead between them.

But Shabana said no.

"But not because of Rekha, as reported," says a source. "She just didn't agree with some of the things in the script."

So out went Shabana quietly. The hunt was on for a suitable replacement.

Rekha is delighted that one her favourite colleagues Hema is now doing the other woman's role.

The two Tamilan actresses have done Feroz Khan's Dharmatma together many years ago, though they didn't have any scenes together.

Hema who has also signed her first Tamil film with Kamal Haasan is looking forward to the experience of working in Kanwar's film.

"It's a very nice script with a nice role for me. So I said yes," says the Dream Girl who's currently holidaying abroad with her daughters.