Farhan quits Aamir’s Lalkaara

The Bollywood actor has reportedly exited the film due to his RD Burman biopic, with Sidhant Gupta replacing him

Actor Farhan Akhtar has reportedly exited Aamir Khan and Ashutosh Gowariker’s upcoming sports drama Lalkaara due to scheduling commitments for his RD Burman biopic. According to a report, Farhan will require several months of preparation for the film, directed by Neeraj Pandey, making it difficult to accommodate Lalkaara’s extensive cricket training and long shooting schedule.

Despite stepping away from the cast, Farhan will continue as a producer through Excel Entertainment, alongside Ritesh Sidhwani, in association with Rajkumar Hirani Films. Actor Sidhant Gupta has reportedly replaced Farhan in the film and will play one of Aamir Khan’s close friends. Known for his performances in Inside Edge, Jubilee, Black Warrant and Freedom at Midnight, Sidhant is expected to join the project ahead of filming.

Lalkaara reunites Aamir and director Ashutosh Gowariker after their 2001 classic Lagaan. Inspired by the historic 1952 India-Pakistan Test series, the film stars Aamir as legendary cricketer Lala Amarnath, independent India’s first Test captain. Written by Piyush Gupta and Neeraj Singh, the film is scheduled to go on floors in Mumbai on October 1.

Reason behind Farhan’s exit

According to reports, Farhan Akhtar chose to prioritise Neeraj Pandey’s RD Burman biopic, which demands months of preparation. Since Lalkaara also required intensive cricket training and a lengthy shooting schedule, the actor reportedly stepped away from the project amicably. He, however, remains associated with the film as a producer through Excel Entertainment.