Last year's biggest Bollywood competition was between two popular songs, Sheila Ki Jawani and Munni Badnaam Hui, but in a strange turn of events, Sheila, or rather Katrina Kaif is set to become Munni.
The makers of the under-production Osthi, the Tamil version of Dabangg, plagued by fears of a possible comparison between the new Munni Badnaam Hui with the original, have decided to go for a new version of the song.
According to sources, they are signing Katrina Kaif for it and have reportedly set aside Rs 2.5 crore for the song.
While Farah Khan choreographed the original song, Saroj Khan will work on the new version. A source said, "Saroj has just completed a great number for Prabhu Deva's Rowdy Rathore. When Osthi's director S Darani learnt about it, he decided on Saroj."
According to the source, Osthi's makers decided to tweak the original song because of copyright reasons. T Series, which holds the rights to the original song, has refused to grant permission to reproduce the song.
The source also added that Malaika Arora Khan had made it known that she was not available for item songs outside her home banner, and talks were doing the rounds that Bipasha Basu might be roped in. However, they have now altered their plans.
Sonu Sood, who will be reprising his role in Dabangg as Salman Khan's brother, is apparently the reason why Kaif will be signed on. The source said, "The producers were keen on Bipasha. But Sonu is pushing for Katrina. He has already informed her. Katrina always finds it hard to say no to her friends." Sood has been friends with Kaif, ever since he worked with the actress in Singh is Kinng. While in the original song, Sood has a limited screen time with 'Munni', in the new version, he will reportedly dance with the item girl from start to finish.
When asked about his friendship with Kaif and her casting, Sood said, "At the moment, all I can say is Katrina is a dear friend. Beyond that I'm not in a position to comment.
And yes, this time I'll have a lot more dancing to do." He added, "I am looking forward to that since my dancing partner is someone extraordinarily beautiful."
The new version of the film will star Tamil film star Silambarasan Rajendar, also known as Simbhu, in the lead.
