This 'Housefull 3' star has replaced Salman Khan in Rajkumar Santoshi's film?

Up until now, Salman Khan and Rajkumar Santoshi were collaborating for an action-comedy after a gap of 22 years; their last film being "Andaz Apna Apna." But fresh reports suggest the project the superstar was supposed to be a part of has now gone to Abhishek Bachchan.

According to an Absolute India source, Salman is running on a tight schedule and wasn't able to accommodate dates for Rajkumar's film, which is said to be a comic caper with a healthy dose of action.

"Salman's schedule is jam packed at the moment. The actor who has just wrapped up Sultan's shoot has already signed Kabir Khan's next project. The actor will soon be busy with the promotions of 'Sultan' after which he will start shooting for Kabir Khan's next film. Hence, thus has left Salman with no time for Rajkumar Santoshi's film which is supposed to go on floors this year," the insider added.

After Salman informed the director about his date issues, he turned to Abhishek, who reportedly liked and approved the script. However, the actor's spokesperson said the reports are untrue adding that AB Jr hasn't signed Rajkumar's film.

This news comes a few weeks after there was a buzz that Salman and the director have been meeting up in the Khan residence to fine tune the script. Apparently, Rajkumar was particular about having the 50-year-old actor on board because he didn't want to take risks with the project considering his last film, "Phata Poster Nikhla Hero," didn't quite set the cash registers ringing.

"Salman loved the script and has always been impressed with Rajji's work. He wanted to work with him and the script is perfect. There will be comedy and action in it. Both Santoshi and Kabir's films will release next year. Both the scripts are completely different from each other. Santoshi's film which roll later this year," a source told DNA last month.