It is for the second time in the recent times that the prolific performer Nasseruddin Shah has replaced another acting legend Amitabh Bachchan.

Initially Big B was offered the role of the Muslim police officer at Scotland Yard who is given the task of finding some suspected suicide bombers.

This role from the film 'Shoot On Sight' directed by the veteran film maker Jagmohan Mundhra eventually was done by Naseer after Mr.Bachchan turned down the role citing it as too controversial.

Now again Nasseruddin Shah has given the positive nod for portraying a character first offered to Amitabh Bachchan.

The role bagged by Naseer is for a film titled as 'Maharathi' to be directed by Shivum Nair.

'Maharathi' is the screen adaptation of a very famous and highly acclaimed Gujarathi play by the same name that came out in the late 80's.

The versatile Bollywood actor Paresh Rawal directed the play as well as did one of the lead characters in it.

Big B opted not to do the role because of some strong reasons he firmly believed in.

Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision Ltd is producing the film, the story of which Paresh Rawal considers as one which he strongly believes in.

The stupendous response triggered off when the play was staged and the 700 times it was presented stands testimony to the impact the drama must have created years back.

Touted to be a very healthy classy commercial film with ample dose of comedy, Paresh will be giving life to the same character that he presented in the play.

He acted as a driver who unexpectedly meets up the character going to be played by Naseer.

When the casting process was going on for 'Maharathi', Naseeruddin Shah was fixed up for a different role.

But as Amitabh did not relent, Paresh could not think of anyone else than Naseer to step into the role which needed experience and cinematic maturity if justice has to be done.

People who have seen the original play will be quite exited by the announcement of the film not only due to it being adapted the big screen but also because of the presence of wonderful actors such as Om Puri and Boman Irani.