MUMBAI: Filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj, most famous for his Shakespearean adaptations, has managed a casting coup by roping in Tabu to play a pivotal role in his upcoming ‘Haider’.

Bhardwaj, whose Shakespearean-adapted tragedies like ‘Maqbool’ (Macbeth) and ‘Omkara’ (Othello) have tasted success, is to reprise his fixation with the Bard, with an adaptation of Hamlet’ tentatively titled ‘Haider’.

Moreover, Bhardwaj has convinced seasoned actress Tabu to play an important role in the film.

‘Haider’ has locked its lead pair in Shahid Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor, and it has been learnt that Tabu has bagged a meaty role in Bhardwaj’s dark revenge tale.

Revealed a source close to the film: “Tabu was his first choice for the role and Vishal has been trying to cast her for a long time and it is finally working out.”

The Indian version of Hamlet will reportedly be set in Kashmir.

Speculation was also rife that Tabu was to play Queen Gertrude in Bhardwaj’s ‘Hamlet’ adaptation, but the source said, “No, she does not play Gertrude. But the story of the film progresses through Tabu’s character. She plays a strong-willed woman.”

Bhardwaj’s ‘Haider’ is anticipated to go on floors by 2013-end.