Pakistani actor replaces Sanju

Here's a BIG scoop… and remember you read it on IndiaFM first [like always]!

He's referred to as the Akshay Kumar of Lollywood. He has been the lead man of a number of successful films [CHOORIYAN and several others] and has worked with some of the best directors in Lahore [Syed Noor].

Meet Moamar Rana from across the border, who makes his Hindi film debut with DOBARA, directed by Shashi Ranjan.

While Shaan, the SRK of Pakistan, is still negotiating with Indian film-makers, Shashi Ranjan has roped in his close rival Moamar Rana for a guest appearance in his Jackie Shroff-Raveena Tandon-Mahima Chaudhary starrer DOBARA.

“The role was to be essayed by Sanju [Sanjay Dutt] earlier,” Shashi tells me, “But we couldn't manage Sanju's dates. That's when I started thinking of a replacement.”

So when did he meet Moamar? “I met him during the Indo-Pak cricket matches in Pakistan recently and I bounced the idea to him,” Shashi reveals, “At first, Moamar was undecided. He sounded excited, he was anxious, he was scared as well.”

But when Shashi and Moamar spent more time discussing the film, the comfort level grew. And when Shashi left Pakistan, he had the confirmation letter of Moamar in his hand. “He is the first Pakistani actor who has officially been signed for an Indian [Hindi] film,” Shashi beams.

And when does Shashi begin shooting with Moamar? “He arrived in Mumbai last night [April 7] and will be shooting for my film for the next 4 days [Friday to Monday]. He will be participating in the picturization of a song and a few sequences. And yes, he'll be dubbing his portions himself.”