After the failure of What’s your Rashee?, Ashutosh dived headfirst into his next period drama based on the Chittagong uprising of 1930. Going back to what he does best, Ashu roped in Asin to play the female lead. In an earlier interview, he had not confirmed this, saying, “Yes, its true that Abhishek is a part of my film Khelenge Hum Jee Jaan Se, and he essays the part of Surjya Sen. As far as Asin goes, I have approached her for the role, but it is too soon to comment on it.” Currently working on the pre-production matters of the film, Ashu was in for a rude shock when Asin backed off from the film at the last minute, citing date issues.

The director was left surprised. A source close to the actress however revealed, “It's not date issues. Asin doesn’t want to take any more chances with her next. London Dreams, while critically appreciated, did receive a lukewarm response; Asin was completely sidelined in the film and barely had a role to talk about. She faced the same issue during Ghajini when Aamir hogged all the limelight, and she couldn’t believe she made the same mistake again. Considering the recent closeness between Ashutosh and the Bachchans, Asin is sure that he wouldn’t pay much attention to her role and would devote his time and energy in promoting Abhishek in the film. Also, the failure of What’s Your Rashee? concerned her deeply, and now, she is being very careful with choosing her next film. Asin wants a full-fledged meaty role in her next to prove her acting prowess.”

Now, Ashutosh, along with pre-production matters of his film, will have to start searching for his female lead again. We wonder who would he settle upon, considering he's irked half of the industry's ladies with his unruly comments on Priyanka. Maybe Ash would come to her hubby's rescue finally!

SEE: Asin on Farah Khan's chat show Tere Mere Beach Mein