Ekta got her Arjun -- Article !!

NIKHILA PANT

The stories surrounding Ekta Kapoor's mega venture Kahaani Hamaaray Mahaabhaarat Ki seem to be never ending. Now the telecast date of the show has been preponed to the first week of July. As Indrani Mukerjea, founder and CEO, INX Media, says, "Earlier we had declared that it would be going on air by 15th August. And now we believe that we are ready to go air starting the first Monday in July."

The buzz is also that the Ekta's latest blue-eyed boy, Harshad Chopra, has been finally chosen to play the role of Arjun. A highly placed source in Balaji Telefilms reveals, "Talks have been on with him for a very long time now. It has been finalised that Harshad would be playing the part. Since Harshad has become very popular as Prem in Kis Des Mein Hai Mera Dil, he has earned a lot of appreciation in the Balaji camp. It came as no surprise to anyone."

Ekta Kapoor may have finally found her Draupadi in Anita Hassanandani, but she was not the first choice for the role. Even before the competition between Gauri Pradhan and Anita came into the limelight, Gautami Kapoor was approached to play the role. A highly placed source in Ekta's production house reveals, "Gautami politely turned down the offer to play Draupadi. She is miffed with the way Ekta turned around her role in Kyunki… Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahi Thi. Ekta had cast Gautami with much fanfare, but as soon as she made peace with Smriti, Gautami was sidelined and her role turned into a negative character. Gautami has apparently taken this to heart." Well, one can't keep everyone happy. What say, Ekta?