Santoshi proposes, Saif disposes

Rajkumar Santoshi has started fresh talks with Saif Ali Khan for his period film, Jis Lahor Nai Dekhya Woh Janmya Hi Nahin, which is based on Dr Asghar Wajahat's book. The filmmaker, who was recently in Greece, was keen on meeting the actor who was filming for Tashan with Kareena Kapoor. The story goes that Santoshi had earlier approached Saif but the actor politely declined as he wasn't too excited about the role. An industry insider says, "There is a lot of uncertainty over Santoshi's Ashoka and the director probably wants to start this film based on Asghar Wajahat's book, the rights of which have been bought by the director. He had earlier approached Saif Ali Khan to play one of the main leads in the film but the actor had turned down the offer. After watching Kareena Kapoor playing a Punjabi character in Jab We Met, Santoshi might offer them a package deal." Govind Nihalani, who directed films like Tamas and Hazaar Chaurasi Ki Maa, had initially bought the rights of the book but failed to make a film on the subject. Asghar Wajahat's book is based on a true story of a frail Punjabi Hindu woman who is left behind in a haveli in Lahore. She refuses to leave her home although the haveli is allotted to another family. After the initial rift with the family who occupy the home, she adjusts with her 'new family' and starts living with them. After she dies, a debate over her last rites results in communal tension.