Lakshmi Rai loses out to Nikitha over Suraaj film

Actresses Lakshmi Rai and Nikitha Thukral were in the running for a role in a film to be directed by Suraaj. The yet-to-be titled flick has Karthi and Anushka Shetty in the lead. There was confusion over casting for the role of a village belle because the names of both Lakshmi Rai and Nikitha were doing the rounds. In fact, Lakshmi Rai had been telling that she was playing the role while Nikitha also had made similar claims.

Suraaj has now removed the confusion by publicly revealing that it is Nikitha of 'Saroja' fame who would play the role.' First, let me make it clear that Anushka is the only heroine in the film. But there are three more important characters for which Nikitha, Meghna and Sanusha have been confirmed. Nikitha will play the role of the village belle,' he stated.

Suraaj will start shooting Nikitha's portion from January 22.He admitted that they had approached Lakshmi Rai, but she had dates problem.

Nikitha has confirmed that the issue has been sorted out and she has received the advance payment for the film.

Raai Laxmi Pictures