Ace Bollywood beauty Lara Duta replaced Tabu after the latter opted out of Priyadarshan’s Billo Barber, which will indeed be produced by King Khan under the Red Chillies Entertainment banner.

Priyadarshan wanted Tabu to star in it, but she refused the film as she didn’t want to work with Irrfan Khan.

Priyadarshan said, “It’s a role of a full-on firebrand village girl. And it's patterned on Tabu's role in my 'Viraasat'. I've to admit I think of Tabu for every female lead. But Lara is sensitive and strong enough to carry this role off with élan.”

The story of the movie ‘Billo Barber’ is supposed to be based on two childhood friends - a barber and a rich filmstar.

Inspired from the story of Lord Krishna and his best friend Sudama, Billo Barber is reported to be a remake of Malayalam film Katha Parayumbol.

While Shahrukh plays the role of a superstar, while Irrfan Khan will act as a barber, who comes to meet his friend after many years.

Lara essays the role of the wife of barber.

Earlier, Amisha was offered the role of barber’s wife, but she said ‘no’ as she felt that her role was too insignificant.

Priyadarshan said, “Though the character belongs to a higher caste, she defies social norms and the diktats of the village to marry a barber. Lara's sophisticated image hasn't come in the way of her performance at all. She'll shock you.”

Shah Rukh also stars in ‘Billo Barber’, but not opposite Lara.

A source close to the project said, “There was a certain amount of reservation about the part when Lara heard it was opposite Irrfan. Lara is extremely conscious of her co-stars' status. Earlier she had refused Anil Kapoor's 'Short Cut' with Arshad Warsi.”

“But the temptation of being in the same film with Shah Rukh prevailed. She had never been in any film with him and he's producing 'Billo Barbar'. She sees this as stepping stone to a film with Shah Rukh.”