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Actor Sidhant Gupta, who was set to join superstar Aamir Khan in filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker’s upcoming period feature Lalkaara, has decided to step away from the project due to scheduling conflicts, The Hollywood Reporter India has learnt.
Lalkaara marks the high-profile reunion of Khan and Gowariker, 25 years after their landmark, Oscar-nominated Lagaan (2001).
The film, which is yet to be formally announced by the makers, is envisioned as an emotional and inspiring sports drama set against the tumultuous backdrop of the 1947 Indo-Pak Partition.
According to industry sources, the actor stepped away from Lalkaara after the film’s "evolving production timelines began to overlap" with the professional commitments he had already made.
"After discussions with the team, the actor took the decision to step away from the project rather than disrupt commitments already underway," sources noted.
Extensive pre-production work and physical prep are currently underway for Lalkaara, which is aiming to go on floors shortly. However, an official confirmation regarding the exact filming timeline remains awaited.
Lalkaara will reportedly feature Khan portraying legendary Indian cricketer Lala Amarnath, regarded as one of the founding figures of modern Indian cricket. The narrative is reportedly centered on the iconic 1952 Test series between India and Pakistan — the first-ever bilateral series between the two nations — exploring themes of sporting rivalry, cross-border friendship, and national pride during a delicate post-Independence era.
Gupta, who gained critical acclaim for his standout performance in the period series Jubilee, boasts a busy slate ahead. He will next be seen headlining the Roy Kapur Films production Teen Kauwe, alongside Pavail Gulati and Fatima Sana Shaikh, and has also been locked for director Prashanth Neel’s upcoming feature.
Khan, meanwhile, is slated to complete work on Lalkaara before transitioning directly into the much-awaited sequel, 3 Idiots 2. The follow-up will reunite the core original trio of Khan, R. Madhavan, and Sharman Joshi, with Rajkumar Hirani returning to direct.