Salman Khan was filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar's (Vaastav, Astitva, Pitaah) first choice for his yet untitled directorial venture, a 90-minute experimental film revolving around a single character.

When Salman turned down the offer, Mahesh decided he himself would be the best replacement.

Mahesh had initially announced the film's protagonist would be a leading Bollywood actor in order to increase its commercial viability. He hopes to make the film in Hindi and English.

Ajay's rendezvous with comedy

Filmmaker Indra Kumar -- the man behind hits like Dil (Aamir Khan, Madhuri Dixit), Beta (Anil Kapoor, Madhuri), Raja (Madhuri, Sanjay Kapoor, Paresh Rawal) and Ishq (Aamir, Juhi Chawla, Ajay Devgan, Kajol) -- has started a new project with Fardeen Khan and Saif Ali Khan.

Ajay will make a comic guest appearance in the yet-untitled project.

Amrita to replace Ash?

Riding high on the surprise success of Ken Ghosh's Ishq Vishk, Amrita Rao is reported to have signed Atul Agnihotri's directorial debut opposite Salman Khan.

Agnihotri, who tried his luck at acting with films like Sir (Naseeruddin Shah, Pooja Bhatt), Aatish (Sanjay Dutt, Karisma Kapoor, Raveena Tandon) and Veergati (Salman, Pooja Dadhwal), tested a lot of actresses for his film. Apparently, brother-in-law Salman then suggested Rao's name.

Aishwarya Rai was the original choice for the leading lady's role, but she has now refused to have any association -- personal or professional -- with Salman. 

Scary Saif?

Remember how the suspense in Sanjay Gupta's Kaante was ruined even before the film's release, when a flood of SMS messages revealed Lucky Ali was the informer?

Something like that is happening all over again.

This time, the messages insist Saif Ali Khan is the bhoot (ghost) in Ram Gopal Varma's spooky drama, Bhoot, starring Ajay Devgan, Urmila Matondkar, Rekha, Nana Patekar, Fardeen Khan, Victor Banerjee, Tanuja and Seema Biswas.

Sridevi to make a comeback?

Whether ex-numero uno Sridevi wants to return to the big screen or not, hubby Boney Kapoor is most keen she does.

The high-profile producer (Mr India, Pukar, Company, Khushi) is toying with the idea of making a film with her in the lead. 

And it does look like the actress might just take up his offer. Off late, Sridevi has been spotted working out extensively to get back in shape.

Ghai dumps Bhandarkar

Contrary to rumours, director Madhur Bhandarkar (Chandni Bar, Satta) insists he and showman Subhash Ghai did not part ways due to creative differences. 

Whatever the reasons were, the project Madhur was supposed to direct for Mukta Arts has now been assigned to Sushil Patnani (director of the television series, Kashmeer).

Akshaye Khanna (Border, Taal, Dil Chahta Hai, Humraaz) and Hrishitaa Bhatt (Asoka, Shararat, Haasil) have been finalised for the lead roles.