Tigmanshu not sexing up Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster sequel

Director Tigmanshu Dhulia put to rest speculation over the casting of his first romantic film Milan Talkies, revealing that Imran Khan has been finalized for the lead role. The project that was put on hold for sometime due to Imran’s date issues, will go on the floors in January, 2013.
The filmmaker who hit the big league with the roaring success of the sprinter-turned-dacoit’s biopic Paan Singh Tomar has seemingly moved on to bigger stars.The industry buzz indicates that the filmmaker, who’s much sought after now only wishes to work with established stars.
Interestingly, Tigmanshu approached Kareena Kapoor for another biopic — Begum Samru after Rani Mukerjee opted out of the project. And he has already begun work on Indianising William Shakespeare’s classic tragedy, Hamlet.
According to trade buzz, the makers were keen to cast Abhishek Bachchan for playing the tragic hero. Quiz him about working with the top brass of Bollywood and he says sharply, “That’s not true at all,” adding, “If the script demands a certain actor, and he fits the budget of the film, then we decide to cast a certain star. For most of my projects, I have been working with my cast of 7-8 years.”
While Kareena still hasn’t given a go-ahead on Begum Samru, Tigmanshu hopes to win her interest in the project. The actor in her classic style has kept the director waiting for her nod. “I am not sure,” muses Tigmanshu, adding further, “I have given her the script and she liked it. Post that, there has been no conversation and I hope to see her towards the end of the month.”
As for casting Junior Bachchan in his ambitious project Hamlet, Tigmanshu retorts, “I don’t write for any actor particularly. I haven’t decided on anybody at the moment. I will only do that after the scripting is over.”
With the Saheb, Biwi Aur Gangster sequel’s under way, there’s a lot of talk about erotica and an item number going around. Has the director succumbed to the age-old Bollywood formula — sex sells? The filmmaker denies reports about sexing up Saheb Biwi aur Gangster Returns, which is turning out to be one of the fastest sequels to go on floors in Bollywood history.
“We are sticking to the basics of the first story and it’s a mature love story, a mature film. We are not sexing up anything.”