Rani out, Kareena as Begum

Earlier there was a buzz that Bengali beauty Rani Mukherjee has given her nod for well-acclaimed filmmaker Tigmanshu Dhulia's next project, a period film, which is based on the chronicles of Begum Joanna Nobilis Sombre aka Begum Samru. However, of late, news is that Rani has been replaced by our Chamak Challo talent house Kareena Kapoor.

After his successful outing with Irrfan Khan starrer 'Paan Singh Tomar', Tigmanshu Dhulia had set out to do a period film where Rani was supposed to play the title role of Begum Samru - a very influential lady of 18th century. Although Rani was quite gung ho to do the film when the helmer approached her, she was however delaying to respond back. Consequently Dhulia considered to opt for Kareena and made the offer to her. While it is heard that Kareena was quite excited and positive to be part of the project, the director made few changes in the character to suit the actress.

Now talks are that the project is speeding up its building process and expected to start shooting in coming September or October.

Remember, Bebo has already tasted the genre of period film with 'Asoka', starring Shah Rukh Khan. Let's see how the sizzler fares in this latest historical venture. For the records, Begum Samru's name is eminent in history for her influential work in politics and she also headed Mercenary army, inherited from her European husband Walter Reinhardt Sombre.