Daijiworld Media Network - Entertainment

Mumbai, Oct 20: New kid on the block Sushant Singh Rajput, a well-known face on the small screen who is yet to make an impact in Bollywood, in all likelyhood will be replaced by Aditya Roy Kapoor in Abhishek Kapoor's next project 'Fitoor'.

Sources said that though Sushant was the first choice to play the lead role in the movie, a change in producers effected a change of the lead actor too. While some said Sushant was asked to leave, albeit politely, other sources said that he himself chose to quit.

Sushant had made his debut in Abhishek Kapoor's 'Kai Po Che!' and considers the director as his mentor. However, sources said that his dates were postponed repeatedly and finally Sushant had to opt out as he had another film on hand.

The film was supposed to be produced by Balaji productions and that is when Sushant was taken on board. However, UTV took up the project later from Balaji, and the producers were bent on having Aditya Roy Kapoor in the film, said a source.

Sushant has also signed for Shekhar Kapur’s 'Paani' and Yashraj Film’s 'Byomkesh'. He would be starting shooting for 'Paani' in July 2014, and was reportedly told by the makers of 'Fitoor' that the film would be going on floors the same month. Hence Sushant had no choice but to quit. Though Sushant is said to have requested to postpone 'Fitoor', the director was unwilling as the lead actress Katrina Kaif had given dates for July, the source said.

It may be noted that UTV is owned by Siddharth Roy Kapoor, brother of Aditya Roy Kapoor. However, a conspiracy has been ruled out as a source said that it was a mere coincidence and Siddharth has had no role to play in making the decision.