MUMBAI: Actor Arjun Rampal is no longer part of Apoorva Lakhia’s remake of “Zanjeer”. He was earlier slated to essay the part of Sher Khan, played by Pran in the 1973 original, but date hassles played spoilsport.

“Arjun Rampal is not doing the film. He had some date issues so he could not do the film,” Lakhia told IANS.

The role was reportedly first offered to Sanjay Dutt even before Arjun was approached for it. But Lakhia dismissed it as mere speculation.

“It’s all media speculation. We never considered anyone else other than Arjun for this role. We have not yet decided who will be replacing Arjun in the film. Talks are on,” he added.

Produced by Amit Mehra and directed by Lakhia, the “Zanjeer” remake features southern star Ram Charan Teja as the male lead. He will reprise megastar Amitabh Bachchan’s role from the original.

Actress Priyanka Chopra will essay the part of Mala, originally played by Jaya Bachchan.