The last time we saw Sanjay Dutt [Images] and Aishwarya Rai [Images] Bachchan on screen was in Shabd. Though the film, directed by first-timer Leena Yadav, was a flop, their onscreen chemistry worked quite well.

Now, the pair will be seen again on screen, in Mani Ratnam's next. The film will also star Abhishek Bachchan [Images].

Incidentally, Sanjay was not the director's first choice. He had first chosen Tamil actor, Vikram. But he roped in Sanjay because he wanted a more popular face.

Apparently, Sanjay accepted the film immediately when Mani asked him. He even juggled his dates, and walked out of a T-series's film to make way for Mani's film.

The T-series film, a romantic comedy, was to star Sanjay opposite Kangana Ranaut [Images]. It is directed by Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru, who directed the Salman Khan-starrer Lucky.

Here's something for the trivia lovers: There were rumours that Sanjay would star in Mani's Aandavan with Ash and Tabu [Images] in 1997. The film was later directed by Rajeev Menon as Kandukondain Kandukondain, and Sanjay was replaced by Mammootty.