Shriya fills in for a fresh face

Shriya fills in for a fresh face

With Shekar Kammula's new heroine abandoning his upcoming flick, the director has roped in Shriya as a replacement

Suresh Kavirayani

Shekar Kammula is one director who stays away from the biggies and chooses to launch fresh faces with most of his movies. And almost a year ago, the director embarked on another such venture, "Life is Beautiful", with a new lead couple. The actor even selected the two faces through a muchpublicized talent hunt for this urban flick that revolves around the new generation's aspirations and lifestyle. Though Sekhar originally planned the film's release in November last year, there's still no word from him about the film nor has there been any announcement about the movie's cast and first look. Buzz has it that the new girl whom Shekar zeroed in on, abandoned the movie after six months of shooting!
According to insiders, the actress, who is an NRI, left for the US when Sekhar, who is known for his long shooting schedules, couldn't complete on time. "Not wanting to delay the project, the director approached actress Shriya Saran to play the lead role. And while it is being reported that Shriya has accepted a cameo role in the film, talk is that the actress has replaced the new girl as the movie's leading lady," said the source.
Meanwhile, Shriya, who hasn't tasted much success lately is looking forward to the film too as she is in dire need of a hit. It is a known fact that Kammula's leading ladies, Kamalinee Mukherjee and Tamanna have gone on to become successes. Both Shekar Kammula and Shriya Saran were unavailable for comment.

Shekar Kammula

Shriya Saran