Now its Rajeev Khandelwal to take on Shah Rukh Kh

One of Pritish Nandy Communications's upcoming projects is tentatively titled Khan. Sources confirm that Rangita Nandy — Creative Head, PNC — has locked on Rajeev Khandelwal to play the lead role in the film.

Interestingly, Rangita's film's title is quite similar to Karan Johar's SRK project titled My Name is Khan. The reason she has not gone public with the title is so that there is no speculation surrounding her film and Karan's. It may be recalled that Rangita had a spat with Karan when she asked him and Gauri Khan to leave the trial for her film Shabd. Sources say that Rangita used the title, Khan which, interestingly, is registered with KJo.

Sources reveal the film will revolve around horse-racing and betting. Khandelwal plays a jockey who wants to make it big but has to suffer because of corruption, fraud and other problems plaguing the game. A source says, "After Aamir, Rajeev got numerous offers. But he's taken the time to choose the right role. His role in Khan, which is tailor-made for him, is very different from his role in Aamir."

Rajeev has already started training with horses to prepare for the role. "The film requires him to master horse riding." Shiraz Bhattacharya, an ad filmmaker and also the drummer for group Pentagram, will direct the film. It is learnt work on the film will start in coming weeks.

Mid-Day