Hrithik steps out of Agneepath remake…and is replaced by Abhishek

Hrithik steps out of Agneepath remake…and is replaced by Abhishek

We bet Karan Johar is now wishing he'd just asked Abhishek Bachchan to star in the Agneepath remake first. It was announced recently that the filmmaker was planning to remake the 1990 hit Agneepath, which starred Amitabh Bachchan and Mithun Chakraborty. The film, which was originally produced by Karan's late father Yash Johar, was one of Amitabh's most iconic. And Karan wanted Hrithik Roshan - who he has earlier worked with in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Ghum - to play Amitabh's role. However, the actor has said no to Karan.

According to a source quoted by the Times of India, "Hrithik was a tad apprehensive about stepping into Big B's shoes. Moreover, Karan too had second thoughts after he had approached Hrithik for the role. Besides, Hrithik had date problems. He will soon be busy with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Guzaarish (with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan) and since Karan plans to start shooting the film in early 2010, Hrithik suggested that it would be wise for Karan to go ahead with another actor."

And that other actor is none other than Amitabh's son Abhishek Bachchan. Abhishek, who has often said that Agneepath is one of his favourite films, was reported to be "overjoyed when Karan asked him to play the role that his father has originally played. It has always been Abhishek's dream to do once what his father has done in his career, and he sees Agneepath as the perfect opportunity."

Amitabh and Mithun both won National Awards for their work in Agneepath, and while the headache of who will play Amitabh's role of Vijay Dinanath Chauhan may be resolved, Karan is now on the lookout for an upcoming actor to step into Mithun's shoes.

This definitely looks set to be one interesting film, and after Abhishek's commendable performances in Sarkar and Sarkar Raj, it will be great to see him in an intense film after the light hearted Dostana.