The two were linked together during the making of Salaam-E-Ishq . Now buzz is that Kangana has been finalised to play the role.

After the success of The Dirty Picture , producer Ekta Kapoor was keen to cast Vidya as the heroine opposite John in the film based on the encounter of underworld don Manya Surve in 1981. "However, after a while, Vidya seemed to have reservations doing a film with John, lest the old rumours come up again," revealed a source.

Post this, Sanjay and Ekta started looking for other suitable actresses for the same role. Soon they settled for Kangana, who had also starred in Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai , produced by Ekta.

The source said, "After that film Kangana is like family and she was keen to work with Balaji again. This time round too, it's a very intense and pivotal role in the movie.

Besides, she's never been paired with John before." Kangana confirmed her inclusion in the film, "It's a great role and franchise.

I'm looking forward to it." Sanjay Gupta however denies that Vidya had any reservation working with John.

He pointed out, "She had told us that she'd wait for the release of The Dirty Picture , before figuring out her next couple of movies. I guess she had other plans.

The next obvious choice was Kangana, who's such a powerhouse performer herself." The director also pointed out that Kangana will be sporting two different looks in the film.

He has in fact given two references for the star's get-up - Manisha Koirala's look in 1942 - A Love Story and Smita Patil in Arth , Namak Halal and Shakti . Tweet (less)