Abhishek Bachchan In Rakesh Mehra’s Delhi 6

Rakesh Mehra, high on the success of Rang De Basanti, is soon to start his next film, titled Delhi 6. The movie Delhi 6 will be an autobiographical take on Rakesh’s life, that he spent in Delhi.

Speaking about Delhi 6, Rakesh Mehra says , “I’m quite happy with the way the script has shaped up. I still have to do the final draft. I start early 2007. “Besides Abhishek Bachchan Delhi 6 will star Om Puri, Atul Kulkarni and Divya Dutta. A hunt is on for the leading lady.

“Om Puri is such a gifted artiste! He gave so much to Rang De Basanti in so little space. Atul of course is incredible. As for Divya Dutta she has always been one of my favorites. I was always looking forward to working with her.”

Delhi 6 chronicles the director’s growing-up years in the Chandni Chowk area of Old Delhi, and the title refers to the postal pincode for the area where Rakeysh Mehra’s film unfolds.

Abhishek, it would be remembered, was always the first choice for the role.

Mehra and the younger Bachchan, fast friends and creative collaborators since Rakeysh was supposed to direct Abhishek’s debut in Samjhauta Express, fell apart over date problems.

Pic : Abhishek Bachchan In Delhi 6

The project then went to Hrithik Roshan (who said yes, then no since he didn’t want any ill will with the Bachchans), Rang De Basanti’s Siddharth (who also declined for reasons best known to him) and finally the bright superstar-in-the-making Ranbir Kapoor (who had a problem connecting with the script).

“Like they say, Daane-daane par likha hai khane wale ka naam. The world is indeed round. The fact that the project has returned to Abhishek proves it,” says a source close to the project, while Abhishek in his habitually diplomatic way is cautious. “Right now, it’s too early to talk about it.”

He now leaves for Nambia for the shooting of Goldie Behl’s Drona. The dates for Delhi 6 will be worked out when Abhishek returns.

Delhi 6 is expected to be shot in the summer of 2008 in Delhi.