Chenab Gandhi goes to Rajeev Khandelwal

Chenab Gandhi has finally found a leading man. It will be Rajeev Khandelwal. Earlier Hurman Baweja was to star in this Sanjay Leela Bhansali production but now he has been removed from the film.

A source reveals, "Hurman was signed way before the release of his debut movie Love Story 2050. After the film bombed, there was immense pressure on producer Bhansali to drop Hurman. The financers pressured producer SLB and director Vibhu Puri to replace the actor after his second film Victory too crashed at the box-office.

John fails audition

It is believed that John Abraham was also screen-tested for the role but they didn't like his audition and the hunt continued till they decided on Khandelwal.

A source reveals, "After a manhunt that ended in screen-testing dozens and dozens of actors, Rajeev Khandelwal was zeroed down upon.

They were looking for an youngish actor with good acting skills and both Bhansali and the director felt the Aamir (2008) actor fit the role." Rajeev was more than happy to have grabbed a role.

The movie is expected to go on floors in August and is being directed by SLB's assistant Vibhu Puri.

Chenab Gandhi is inspired by the story of Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan, India's freedom fighter who was known as Frontier Gandhi. The movie also stars Amitabh Bachchan and Vidya Balan. Rajeev remained unavailable for comment.