Revealed! Neither SRK nor Irrfan, Bachchan Jr., indeed, is SLB's Sahir Ludhianvi

Mumbai: After Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s secret meeting with Priyanka Chopra last year, there were rumours suggesting that Shah Rukh Khan will be playing the legendary poet-lyricist Sahir Ludhianvi and PeeCee will essay the role of his love interest Amrita Pritam.

But according to an entertainment portal, all those rumours were meme hearsay as a well-placed source has confirmed that it is Abhishek Bachchan who will slip into the late poet’s shoes.

In order to do justice to the role, AB is apparently working hard to get in shape, has lost 12 kilos already and been listening to songs like ‘Jinhe Naaz Hai Hind Par Woh Kahaan Hai’ (Pyaasa), ‘Woh Subah Kabhi Toh Aayegi’ (Phir Subah Hogi), Main Pal Do Pal Ka Shayar Hoon, Kabhi Kabhi Mere Dil Mein, among others, that were written by Ludhianvi.

Talking about Bachchan junior’s preparations, the source said, “While everyone is thinking that he isn't taking up projects because he is busy with his sports ventures, Abhishek plans to surprise all with his prep. He has been listening to Sahir's songs and is also reading up a lot on him. At the same time, he is also sweating it out in the gym, because he has to lose weight for the movie.”

Bhansali, who is currently busy with period drama ‘Padmavati’, starring Ranveer Singh (Alauddin Khilji), Deepika Padukone (Queen Padmavati) and Shahid Kapoor (Raja Rawal Singh), will begin shooting process real soon. “The movie is expected to go on-floors soon and Sanjay Leela Bhansali along with the crew is figuring out the schedule,” added the source.

Earlier, there was news of Irrfan Khan playing the lead in this untitled biopic.