'Heera Mandi' shelved?

Ace Indian director Sanjay Leela Bhansali says his ambitious movie that was rumoured to star Madhuri Dixit, Rani Mukerji and Sonam Kapoor might not take off at all and that all the talks that he has shown an inclination to cast a Pakistani actor Imran Abbas are nothing but industry gossip.

“There are no chances of starting Heera Mandi soon. In fact, it might take two to three years to start the project if I want to start it at all. The script of the film is not ready yet,” Sanjay told After Hrs. There were rumours flying around that he was keen on casting Pakistani actor Imran Abbas and that he would be flying him down in a couple of months to start the filming process. Sanjay adds, “”These are all rumours. He is definitely not in the film. This news is completely false. I would rather cast an Indian actor for the role.”

Heera Mandi incidentally is a renowned red light area in the Walled City of Lahore that had spawned the courtesan culture during the Mughal Era but is now the hub of prostitution. The film was supposed to have an ensemble cast.