Newcomer Sakshi Chaudhary to Play Priyanka Chopra in '67 Days'

Irrespective of Priyanka Chopra's disapproval, the planned film on her life is going strong as newcomer Sakshi Chaudhary has been cast to play the actress.

Chaudhary, a newbie has been signed to play the former Miss World in the film titled "67 Days." She will have to undergo training for aping Chopra's mannerisms in the Aseem Merchant-produced project.

"She (Chaudhary) will play Priyanka after very closely studying her movies. Sakshi is not a major movie buff. But Aseem Merchant wants Sakshi to adopt Priyanka's body language and mannerisms. Priyanka tends to talk very rapidly, letting the words spill out in a tumble. Sakshi would be speaking like that. There will also be an attempt to recreate some of Priyanka's early songs and dances from 'Andaaz' and 'Aitraaz'," a source close to the project informed DNA.

Chaudhary, who has also been signed for Feroze Nadiadwala's sequel to "Hera Pheri" franchise, confirmed the reports of stepping into Chopra's shoes.

"I don't think I am allowed to talk about this. But yes, I am playing the part in the film that you mention. I guess they thought I was suitable for it. As far as studying Priyanka goes, I haven't done much of that so far. I was never star-struck. But she is a good actress. Hopefully, I will play a good actress well," Chaudhary was quoted by the daily.

Incidentally, Chaudhary, who has worked in several films down south, has her work handled by Prakash Jaju, Chopra's former manager on whom the major part of film is based.

The film produced by Chopra's ex-boyfriend Merchant will chronicle the period the actress was associated with Jaju. The "Barfi!" actress appeared quite upset over the film as she said at a recent event that the makers of the film were trying to glorify the particular part of her life which was painful for her and her family.

It should be noted that Chopra and Jaju were embroiled in a nasty situation back in 2004 when the latter had alleged the actress of non payment of a large sum which he claimed she owed him. However, Jaju was arrested in 2008 for false claims and threatening and spent 67 days behind bars.

Meanwhile, Merchant, trying to douse the controversy surrounding the film has now said that the film rather than Chopra will focus on Jaju and his dealings with his celeb clients.

"The film is about Prakash Jaju, not Priyanka Chopra. It is about his experiences in Bollywood and will cover the entire entertainment industry. I respect and admire Priyanka. In no way, I am trying to malign or hurt her. As a producer, I am only trying to make a realistic film," Merchant told the daily.