Kartik Aaryan has denied being approached to star in Saare Jahaan Se Achha. His spokesperson has put out a statement saying, "We just came across this bit of news that is doing the rounds that Kartik Aaryan has been approached for a space film. However, we'd like to clarify that there is no truth to this news whatsoever."
Aamir Khan was the first choice for the Rakesh Sharma biopic. Once he opted out, Shah Rukh Khan was brought on board to play the legendary astronaut.
After reports emerged that Shah Rukh had stepped down from the role as well, DNA claimed that producers Ronnie Screwvala and Siddharth Roy Kapur had already moved on to two new contenders.
“After SRK’s exit, Ronnie and Siddharth decided to cast a younger face to play Rakesh’s role. The story revolves around his mission to be the first Indian in space and he was 35 when he achieved this feat. So, they decided to sign one of the actors from Gen-Y,” a source told the paper.
The publication alleged that after considering several names, the filmmakers had zeroed in two: Vicky Kaushal and Kartik Aaryan.
“Mahesh Mathai, who is directing the biopic, has met Kartik, but they haven’t had a narration yet. Meanwhile, Vicky was spotted at Siddharth’s office a few days ago.”
Vicky is currently celebrating the overwhelming success of Uri: The Surgical Strike. Kartik on the other hand has the rom-com Luka Chuppi coming up opposite Kriti Sanon.
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)