Rani Mukerji opts out of Tigmanshu Dhulia's 'Begum Samru'

Her last film, Talaash hit the marquee last year and since then Rani Mukerji has not had a single release. The actress, who has practically no film in hand, apparently has cited the date drama card for opting out of the upcoming film, Begum Samru.

However not wasting time, we hear, director Tigmanshu Dhulia has already found her replacement. Dhulia is apparently in talks with Kareena Kapoor to step into the shoes left behind by Rani.

Says an insider, "Rani was supposed to play the titular role and the character was written keeping her in mind. Though most probably Bebo would be doing the role, no formal announcement has been made yet." u00a0

Pity that Rani had to lose out on the project, as multi-tasking is the norm of the day in Bollywood these days. Tigmanshu is already working with Bebo's hubby Saif Ali Khan in Bullet Raja. A source close to Kareena says, "Bebo is in London and will take a final call after she returns."

Who's that girl?
Begum Samru played a critical role in the political struggle in the 18th and 19th century India. She was also the head of a professionally trained mercenary army, inherited from her European husband, Walter Reinhardt Sombre.u00a0