 | « Back to article | Print this article |
Madhur Bhandarkar's Heroine started out as a woman-oriented film like his previous ventures but it might no longer be the same. Word is, it's now a love story between an actress and an actor.
Apparently, Arjun Rampal, who's playing the male lead in the film, had two long discussions with the film's producers and director and suggested some changes in the script. They have been duly accepted and incorporated.
Turns out, Arjun is done with being taken for granted by filmmakers. The actor has now decided to do only lead roles instead of "strong supporting parts".
This has brought about a fundamental change in Bhandarkar's ambitious project, with the actor insisiting on a his role being clearly and comprehensively fleshed out.
A source says, "Arjun doesn't mind doing heroine-oriented roles. He has done We Are Family with formidable actresses like Kajol and Kareena Kapoor and held his own. But no more films for 'family' .This time around, if Kareena is playing the title role, Arjun wants to make sure his part is substantial enough to be termed as the male lead."
He adds, "There was talk of Kareena's character being supported by several male actors including Arunodoy Singh, who play the men who walk in and out of her life. Arjun didn't want to be projected as just one of Kareena's love interests. He didn't want to look like one of the guys propping up the heroine on the poster of Heroine."
Arjun has apparently got his role more clearly etched in the script. He has also ensured that he is projected as the solo male lead of the film.
When Siddharth Roy Kapoor, CEO of UTV Motion Pictures was contacted, he said, "Arjun Rampal is the male lead in Heroine. The other actors play supporting parts."
To his credit, Arjun doesn't deny asking for changes in the Heroine script. "I did make some suggestions which I thought were for the betterment of the film.They were kind enough to accept these changes. I don't mind doing heroine-oriented films. I've done one with Kareena in the past (We Are Family).
"But at this point in my career, I cannot do supporting roles. Heroine is a love story between the actress and the actor, played by me. It's a challenge for me because I've never played an actor before."
Arjun starts shooting for Heroine on his birthday on November 26.