New Delhi: Kareena Kapoor who was supposed to play Sangeeta Bijlani in the biopic of former Indian skipper Mohammed Azharuddin has turned down the role.
Kareena's no to the role has created a rift in her relation with Ekta Kapoor. Reportedly both Kareena and Ekta are not on talking terms even socially for months.
A source close to the development was quoted by a daily saying that the actress had been in advance talks with the makers but has now decided against doing the film.
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The source added saying, "Kareena had intended to do the film and even had a few meetings with Ekta Kapoor (the film's producer). But the talks were at a preliminary stage. No paperwork had been done. Bebo is keener on Abhishek Chaubey's drugs drama, Udta Punjab, which goes on floors around the same time. She has started preparatory work on it."
Another report suggests that Kareena was not too keen on playing Sangeeta on screen because she is a friend.
The film also features Emraan Hashmi and Prachi Desai in pivotal roles. The biopic is going on floors on May 1 and now the makers are looking for younger actress who will be able to complete the film on time. The name will be finalised by January end.
ALSO READ: Kareena Kapoor to play Sangeeta Bijlani's part in Azharuddin's biopic (see pics)
Interestingly, Kareena and Emraan were to team up a couple of years ago for another film, jointly produced by Ekta and Karan Johar. But eventually that project didn't take off.
The film is directed by Tony D'Souza and is set to go on floors in mid-2015.