Writer-director Shashank Khaitan has asked people to be cautious about fake casting calls for his film Mr Lele, starring Varun Dhawan in the lead, saying the film is not happening at present. He took to Instagram on Friday to share a message for his fans. Khaitan used social media to warn people about the casting scam and wrote on Instagram, "Please be aware of all such people claiming to be from Dharma Productions. 'Mr Lele' is not happening right now. We are not casting for it. Please do not get scammed by such frauds. Please take care. Be safe."
In the note, he said: "URGENT-- I have received many messages and emails from actors that someone, going by the name Nitesh Sharma Casting, is claiming to be a casting director for Dharma Productions and the film Mr Lele. He is asking for money for auditions and other favours. PLEASE NOTE THIS IS FALSE… No one by this name works for Dharma. Also, we are not casting for Mr Lele, as the film is not happening at present."
Earlier this year, Varun had announced that his film Mr Lele has indefinitely been postponed because of clashing dates. Sharing an update on it, Shashank had written in March, "Hi Guys, here is an update on Mr. Lele. Karan, Varun and I have mutually decided to postpone the shooting of the film. It's a script we all love and am sure will revisit soon. But scheduling the film was turning out to be very tough, as the film has a solid ensemble cast and the dates were just not falling into place. I am very sure Varun and I will collaborate soon, either on Mr. Lele itself or on something new, as collaborating with him has always been the most joyful and fulfilling experience in my life."
Varun had retweeted his note and wrote, “No one asks you when you left for the journey but only about when you arrive. Soon.” The trio had worked together before in Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania (2014) and Badrinath Ki Dulhania (2017). They also announced a film titled Rannbhoomi in 2018 but the project never took off.
(Source: Instagram)