You see, not too long ago, the producer had wanted Shahid Kapoor on board for the adaptation of Chetan Bhagat novel. But the actor opted out of the project following the debacle of Shaandaar.
What happened exactly?
Image source: images77
We hear, Shahid and Ekta spoke about the project when he was shooting for Udta Punjab, which is also co-produced by the TV czarina. Since the Haider actor showed keen interest in the film, director Mohit Suri sent him the bound script.
So far, so good.
Image source: facebook/ShaandaarMovie
But all hell broke loose when Shaandaar hit the theatres.
A source says, "After Shaandaar tanked, Shahid was asked to reduce his fee. The actor refused to budge from his market price and the makers too were in no mood to relent."
Image source: images77
That worked out in Sushant's favour as the makers roped him in. Of course, it's a different story that the Kai Po Che actor has now pissed Ekta off by teaming up with Kriti Sanon in a Dinesh Vijan film as well - one that Ekta was reportedly unaware of.
Thumbnail image source: Manav Manglani