Shahid Kapoor to play a Maharashtrian in 'Phata Poster..'

Depicting Maharashtrian characters seem to be the latest trend in Hindi films. While B-town was abuzz with news of Rani Mukerji playing a Marathi mulgi in Sachin Kundalkar's Ayya, the latest news according to a source, is that Shahid Kapoor will play a Marathi boy in producer Kumar Taurani's Phata Poster Nikla Hero.

Says the insider related to the project, "In the film, Shahid's character belongs to a Marathi family, residing in a typical rustic house located in a small town of Maharashta. The story begins in a village and moves to Mumbai."

When contacted, producer Ramesh Taurani confirmed the news saying, "We have asked Shahid what we want from him in terms of his performance as a Marathi boy and he is working on it."

Interestingly, Padmini Kolhapure, who played the role of Asha Bhosle's daughter in Maaee (yet to release), will be seen essaying the role of Shahid's mother in the film.

Directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, the film also stars South actress, Ileana D'Cruz, who makes her Bollywood debut this year with Anurag Basu's Barfi!, opposite Ranbir Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra.

Apart from Shahid-Ileana romance, the film also portrays the mother-son relationship, which will take the story forward.

While the other characters are yet to be finalised, the film will go on floors on November 1 and will be shot entirely in Mumbai studios. It will be released next year.

Meanwhile, the actor has opted out of director Maneesh Sharma's untitled film, produced by YRF, scheduled to start this September. The star had to pull out due to his other commitments, as he was unable to adjust his dates.

List of actors in Marathi characters

*Rani Mukerji - Ayya

*Asin - Khiladi 786

*Priyanka Chopra - Agneepath/Kaminey

*Akshay Kumar - Khatta Meetha

*Shilpa Shetty - Rishtey

... contd.

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