For the past six months, speculations were rife about Govinda being ousted from the Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif-starrer 'Jagga Jasoos'. While the veteran actor, who has shot for his part as Ranbir's foster father, has apparently been replaced by Anil Kapoor, we hear the makers were keen to rope in Irrfan for the role and reshoot the film.
Says a source, "The makers were not happy with Govinda's shot portions and had approached Irrfan. He was seriously considering the offer, but gave it up after the audience appreciated his on-screen chemistry with Deepika Padukone in Piku. So, he didn't want to play Ranbir's dad. In any case, his date diary is packed and he has left for the US to shoot for a Hollywood project, 'Inferno'. He will return to India only in mid-July."
The Mumbai schedule of 'Jagga Jasoos', a joint production venture by Ranbir and director Anurag Basu, got underway at the Chandivali Studio on Tuesday.
Irrfan confirms having been approached to be a part of the film. "I have been offered a role in 'Jagga Jasoos' and am considering it. But I have not decided anything yet," he says, while refusing to share details of the role.
Govinda, who shot for the film's first schedule in Cape Town last July, feigns ignorance about his rumoured ouster from the project. "They have not informed me (about any such decision) and I have completed my work," he adds.
The director remained unavailable for comment.
