By Subhash K Jha

It is one Sher Khan to another for Telugu actor Srihari who has now stepped into the role that Sonu Sood had to vacate in Zanjeer.

A prominent lead actor of Telugu cinema and also an interesting crossover actor who likes to play character roles when required, Srihari was roped in on the recommendation Zanjeer's leading man Ramcharan Teja when the film's current schedule involving busy bigwigs Sanjay Dutt, Priyanka Chopra and Ramcharan, was placed into crisis with Sonu Sood's leg injury.

Says a source close to the project, `Director Apoorva Lakhia had two choices. He could either cancel the schedule which would've meant heavy losses as the coordinated dates of these busy stars would've been near- impossible to obtain, or he could replace Sonu Sood. Lakhia opted for the latter option. But only after taking Sonu into confidence. `

The director met Sood on Saturday and explained his predicament.

Sood agreed to opt out without a moment's hesitation.

Says the affable Sood, `Srihari is a wonderful actor and he will look superb as Sher Khan in Zanjeer. `

Interestingly Srihari has played a character named Sher Khan earlier in the Telugu blockbuster Magadheera which also starred Sonu Sood.

Says Sonu Sood, `Every role has its own destiny. I guess I was not destined to play Sher Khan. I've no regrets. I just want the film to do really well for my bro Apoorva Lakhia. `