While on one hand Vijay Raaz is being praised for his performance in Aamir Khan's Delhi Belly, on the other hand, director Anand Kumar is disappointed with the actor for opting out of his film, Zilla Ghaziabad.
That too just 10 days after signing it and barely a week before they were to start shooting.
However, Vijay's loss has proved to be a gain for Deepak Dobriyal of Omkara and Tanu Weds Manu fame.
Now, he has been roped in to play the character of Fakira, who was said to be instrumental in the gang wards in Ghaziabad in the 1990s.
According to our source, "After the release of Delhi Belly, VR had reservations about his character.
He told the director that Fakira was not doing much except running behind Prakash Fauji, essayed by Arshad Warsi and inspired by real life gangster, Mahendar Fauji. And subsequently, he opted out of the movie."
Confirming the developments, Anand said that he was shocked by Vijay's sudden volte-face.
Asserting the importance of the character Deepak will now play, the director explains, "The role of Fakira in ZG is like Shakuni mama in Mahabharat.
It was because of him that the gang wars between Fauji and Gujjar, played by Vivek Oberoi in the film, took place in Ghaziabad in the 1990s."
A disappointed Anand says, "So what if Delhi Belly released? Vijay is acting as if he has become Aamir Khan overnight.
He should be grateful that he got that chance and should not let fame and success go to his head. Maybe he thinks he's become Aamir Khan and wants to do only lead roles now."
But the director is pleased about Deepak stepping in. "At the end of a 15-minute narration, he agreed to do the film, " recalls Anand, who's gearing up to start shooting with Arshad, Vivek and Deepak from July 14.
When contacted for his side of the story, all Vijay was willing to say was: "I had to opt out as the dates weren't working out."
