The big news doing the rounds is that Harman Baweja has been replaced by John Abraham in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's upcoming film ‘Chenab Gandhi’.

This will be Bhansali's next production after ‘Saawariya’ and will be a period film.

Harman was signed for the film in 2008.

But after his debut film ‘Love Story 2050’ and later, ‘Victory’ failed to impress audiences, the producers have had a rethink.

So after a gathering, Bhansali and Saregama's Madhu Mantena, together with the distributors decided to take John Abraham in the lead role.

Chenab Gandhi, which also stars Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan and cute-faced actress Vidya Balan, will go on the floors during the first week of April.

After Viruddh, Aetbaar and Babul, this is John’s fourth movie with Big B.

A source said, “Right now, the producers and director haven't informed Hurman as yet. He's in Delhi and so, no-one will confirm this right now. They are waiting for him to come back. Then, they will break the news to him.”

Bhansali said curtly, "It's not true." Mantena laughs off the development with, "Hurman is still there in the film. We will start Chenab Gandhi in May. It would be unfair to drop him now when his films are not doing well. I am doing another film with John called 1-800-Love; maybe the confusion begins there."

Harman Baweja was not available for comment.

Debutant Vibhu Puri will direct Chenab Gandhi, while Saregama India is co-producing the film with Bhansali. The movie is to be made with an estimated budget of Rs 35 crores.