Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan Not First Choice for ‘Masoom’ Remake?

It is of common knowledge that Bollywood's celebrated couple - Aishwarya Rai and hubby Abhishek Bachchan - has been approached for the remake of the classic film, "Masoom" but not many will know that they are not the first choice for the film. 

The original Shekhar Kapur film, which had Nasserudin Shah and Shabana Azmi in pivotal roles, is to be remade by director Bedabrat Pain of "Chittagong" fame.

The talented director apparently wanted Nasser and Shabana's role to be played by seasoned actor Irrfan Khan and Vidya Balan but was made to look for other other options after they rejected the offer.

"Like a lot of other new-age filmmakers Bedo (Pain) sees Irrfan as what Naseer used to be 25 years ago. He was keen to cast Irrfan in Naseer's role," a source told Daily News Analysis.

But the deal fell through as both Irrfan and Vidya felt it was unwise to rework on the classic roles immortalised by Nasserudin and Shabana, better known as flag bearers of offbeat cinema, and that is when the director had to give in to producer Himesh Reshamiya's choice for Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai.

"With both Irrfan and Vidya opting out, Bedo decided to re-work the script. He has now re-written the main parts. And the roles now suit Aishwarya and Abhishek to perfection," the source added to the tabloid.

Now, it remains to be seen whether the classic remake marks the comeback of Aishwarya Rai who had taken a sabbatical from films post her pregnancy and bhirth of her daughter Aaradhya.

Aishwarya, recently hinted at her comeback, saying at a brand promotion event that she was reading scripts and finalising works.

"Yes I am reading scripts and work is getting finalised, but director and producers to make the final announcements. Like I said we should leave to the respected people to make the announcements, if there are any. Yes we have been in talks, but the conclusion and consequence of it, when we arrive at it there will be announcement," said the former Miss World.

 "Masoom", released in 1983 was based on author Eric Segal's novel "Man, Woman and Child". It also starred Urmila Matondkar and Jugal Hansraj as child actors. The film was one of the best works of director Shekhar Kapur.