Pakistani artistes controversy: Aditya Roy Kapur to replace Fawad Khan in Salman Khan’s 'Jugalbandi'?

New Delhi: The Pakistani artistes controversy is affecting a lot of Bollywood projects. Now, latest reports suggest that Pakistani heartthrob Fawad Khan is likely to be replaced by  Aditya Roy Kapur in superstar Salman Khan's upcoming venture 'Jugalbandi'.

"Butala, who’s heading SKF, has been in constant touch with Fawad and it’s true that the two have finally decided to work together. But it’s not for Jugalbandi. Fawad has greenlit Filmistaan director Nitin Kakkar’s next film instead," India.com quoted a DNA report as saying.

However, no official confirmation about the same has been made yet.

Earlier, it was being said that Saif Ali Khan was the first choice for 'Jugalbandi'. But, he turned down the movie and the project was later offered to the 'Khoobsurat' star.

This development comes amidst the ongoing clamour over the cross-border tension between the neighbouring countries, which spilled into the entertainment world and sparked a debate on whether Pakistani artistes should be banned from working in the Mumbai film industry.

Some Indian outfits have imposed a ban on Pakistanis from Indian showbiz world and a few Pakistani theatres have pulled down Indian movies from their screens.

Celebrities across the board and borders have been commenting on the spillover, with some talking in support of the steps, some opposing it and some just keeping mum.

Superstar Salman Khan and veteran actor Om Puri came forward to support Pakistani talent, but faced a severe backlash for their opinion. 

Earlier this week, Pakistani talent Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan also broke their silence, with former praying for "a more peaceful world", and Mahira condemning any act of terror, no matter which soil it is on.

(With IANS inputs)