Won't replace Fawad in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil: Karan Johar's friend

What would the best and the worst-case scenario be in Karan Johar’s stand-off with political elements in Mumbai, who have threatened to ban Johar’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (ADHM) if Fawad is not replaced?

‘Replacement’ however, cannot be an option, even if cinemas threaten not to screen any film featuring a Pakistani actor.

Says a very close friend of the producer-filmmaker, “Ae Dil…’ is complete and ready for release. One can’t replace an actor in a completed film. And even if replacement was a possibility, Karan wouldn’t exercise that option. He will stand by his actors and technicians, no matter what the financial losses may be.”

Word has it that Karan has apparently disclosed to close friends that he would rather not release the film than tamper with Fawad’s role in it.

“However, that is a worst-case option. Chances are — and Karan and his team are hoping for this — that the current tensions will die down by the time the film releases.

Fawad is featured in a smaller role than Ranbir and Anushka Sharma. But his presence is awfully crucial to the plot. One cannot take Fawad out of the film without losing the essence of the plot. That apart, Fawad stays. Period,” says Karan’s friend, firmly.

What doesn’t stay is the proposed new film starring Katrina and Fawad that was to start in Delhi around November. Sources from Dharma Productions say that project is off. This is yet another setback for Katrina, who is reeling under the crippling failure of her last two films, Fitoor and Baar Baar Dekho.