Sridevi Declines Abhishek Kapoor’s ‘Fitoor’

Bollywood veteran Sridevi has declined a significant role in Abhishek Kapoor's upcoming film "Fitoor", which stars Katrina Kaif in the female lead.

The actress, having made a successful comeback with "English Vinglish", was offered a negative character in the adaptation of the Charles Dicken's famous novel "Great Expectations."

But the "Mr. India" star apparently wasn't too convinced of the grey part being offered and declined the chance.

A source from the film's production unit told Mid Day, "Sridevi couldn't be part of the film, as she thought she wasn't the right choice for the role."

According to the tabloid, Sri's role was centered on Robert De Niro's part in the Hollywood adaptation of "Great Expectations" (1998). De Niro had essayed the role of runaway convict and benefactor Arthur Lustig. And Sridevi's role was adjusted according to that of a female.

However, another report had stated that the actress was being considered for the role of the cold hearted, aged and rich spinster Miss Havisham, who has a pivotal role in the plot. The part has severe shades of grey and would have required the glamorous actress to look older and dull.  

"Great Expectations" is a classic bildungsroman, which traces the story of an orphan boy and his journey from rags to riches and to his eventual self realisation.

Directed by Abhishek Kapoor, the film's original lead included Sushant Singh Rajput and Katrina. But with the recent developments, it is now rumored that Aditya Roy Kapur might replace Sushant as the main lead. Sushant had walked out of the project, citing a with Shekhar Kapur's "Paani".

Meanwhile Sridevi, whose comeback film earned immense critical and commercial accolades, is awaiting her next film to be made under husband Boney Kapoor's production.

Recently, Kapoor revealed to Times of India that the actress will be doing a multilingual, women-centric film, which will be shot in Hindi, Telugu and Tamil simultaneously. The cast of the film has not been finalised yet.

The diva is also in talks about featuring in a Hollywood project, opposite 17-time Oscar nominee Meryl Steep.