Exclusive: Saqib Saleem to replace Farhan Akhtar in Akshay Kumar's Gold?

Farhan Akhtar, it seems, doesn’t like to play second fiddle. The actor has turned down a role in his own production apparently, because he doesn’t want to play the ‘parallel’ lead to Akshay Kumar. Akki will portray the character of Balbir Singh, in a biopic on the Olympian Indian Hockey player.

According to sources, “Farhan has played a lead in a biopic once before (Bhaag Milkha Bhaag) and he wouldn’t want to step away from the protagonist’s role for this film. It could also be the fact that he is producing the film under his Excel Entertainment banner.”

Thanks to Farhan’s rejection, the role has now been offered to actor Saqib Saleem. While he hasn’t given his nod yet, those close to the actor believe that he will accept it. Director Reema Kagti, wanted to rope in Farhan, but since he wasn’t keen, she had to seek other actors and Saqib was finalised.