Saif quits Vishals Next

After Shahid Kapoor walked out of Vishal Bhardwaj's film Dreams (working title), which will be produced by Ekta Kapoor, his role was offered to Saif Ali Khan. He accepted it graciously. The grapevine now has it that the actor demanded some changes in Bhardwaj's script, which did not go down well with the director. On knowing this, Saif recently walked out of the film.

Earlier, when Shahid turned down the role, he told Vishal that he would prefer it if they worked together on Kaminey 2 instead. A source says, "During that time, Shahid also got a good offer to host a TV dance reality show, Dancing With Superstar. However, he did not accept that either."

Dreams is a story, which is narrated in a dream. Added the source, "Though the plot resembles a bit with the recent Hollywood blockbuster Inception, Bhardwaj was ready with the script of Dreams much before Inception released."

When Saif asked for changes, Bhardwaj put his foot down. Adds the source, "Bhardwaj is a director who sticks to his script and vision. Often, many actors are apprehensive and nervous before signing up for a character in Bhardwaj's films.

Both Saif and Shahid took a long time to say 'yes' to Bhardwaj for Omkara as well as Kaminey. This time too, the role is very challenging but fruitful."

All said and done, Saif's exit from Dreams is rather shocking, especially because both he and Bhardwaj were reportedly again warming up with one another. Says the source, "Saif was miffed with Bhardwaj for casting Shahid, who happens to be Kareena Kapoor's ex-boyfriend, for Kaminey.

Moreover, after Saif's Langda Tyaagi character was lauded in Omkara, the actor was hoping Bhardwaj would cast him in his next."

When asked if he is indeed not doing Vishal's film for Ekta Kapoor, Saif said, "Yes I am not doing the film as of now." When asked if it was the script of the film that put him off, the actor chose not to reply.

Bhardwaj remained unavailable for comment. As of now, Dreams stars Deepika Padukone. Another heroine will soon be finalised. Whether Bhardwaj will offer the hero's role to Shahid again or not, is the million-dollar question.