Kalpana Lajmi has apparently approached Nawazuddin Siddiqui to play music legend Bhupen Hazarika. Sources say that the actor and director have already had a few meetings. The actor is said to be currently reading the script while Kalpana Lajmi is working on the film's screenplay.
It may be also pointed out that there have been reports about Pooja Bhatt playing Lajmi in the film. But Lajmi, when contacted, denied signing on Pooja. "We have finalised Sharbani Mukherjee as the actress and she will be playing my character whereas I have approached Nawazuddin Siddiqui to play Bhupen Da," she said.
Lajmi reiterated that she holds the film's story very close to her heart. "I needed someone who would understand the nuances of the story. I have met Nawazuddin a few times regarding the project and I think he will do justice to the role. I am waiting for a nod from him. I have already finalised Sharbani," she added.
The film will be shot in West Bengal, Bangladesh, Assam and New York. "In New York, Bhupenda met Paul Leroy Robeson, who inspired him to write songs that celebrate life. A major portion of the film will also be shot there," Lajmi said.
She also revealed that they will remaster Bhupenda's songs for the film. "For the background score, I want to rope in Debajyoti Mishra," said Lajmi, who admitted that she was inspired to make this film after close friends Soni Razdan and Mahesh Bhatt persuaded her to sit down and pen the legendary's musician's story.
Nawazuddin was unavailable for comment.
