Akshaye-Arshad replace Anil-Akshaye

Mumbai, July.6 (NR): Films are known to go through multiple casting changes before the final set-up gets announced. One such is the Anil Kapoor-produced comedy, Shortkut, which releases worldwide this week.

Initially Anil Kapoor was to play Akshaye Khanna's role of a struggling writer and director, while Akshaye Khanna was to play Arshad Warsi's character of a non-actor who turns into a superstar. Unfortunately, Anil had to opt out of the role when his friend and mentor Subhash Ghai approached him for a role in Black & White opposite Shefali Shah. At that time, Anil was also busy with Tashan.

After Akshaye Khanna stepped into Anil's shoes, Arshad Warsi agreed to come on board and plug the gap created by Akshaye's role-change. Meanwhile, Chunky Pandey, who plays Arshad's business manager in the film, was roped in after Paresh Rawal turned down the offer, as he wanted to play Arshad's part!

In sharp contrast, Amrita Rao was always the first choice for the female lead after Anil saw Vivaah!

Incidentally, the sensuous Kal Nau Baje number in the film had been recorded by Ehsaan-Shankar-Loy and written by Javed Akhtar for another film. But when Anil heard it, he instantly incorporated it on the soundtrack of Shortkut.

Anil Kapoor has seemingly taken a break from his schedule of 24 to for Studio 18's media conference of Shortkut in New York today (Monday). Click the Movie button below for more info:
Short Kut - The Con Is On

Akshaye Khanna Pictures