Is Rajkumar Santoshi, quite the gentleman?

After the news of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's pregnancy broke out last year, director Rajkumar Santoshi put his film with Abhishek, Ladies And Gentleman, on a backburner. However, over a year since then, buzz is that that the filmmaker is reviving the project with the actor, but opposite another leading lady.u00a0

According to a well-placed industry source, the director has been very eager to start a film soon. "After Power got shelved, things haven't been too good for Santoshi. He wanted to make Ladies And Gentleman, but had to put it on hold when Ash got pregnant. Since then, he hasn't been able to start any film," recalls our informer, adding that now things seem to be looking better for the filmmaker.

Our source further explains, "Recently, Raj ji had a meeting with a production-distribution studio, which expressed interest in backing Ladies And Gentleman. They are also excited to have Abhishek on board who features in another of their co-productions, that also stars Ajay Devgn."

Ash out
Since Aishwarya is currently busy managing her baby, the director will be casting another actress in her place instead. However, the film is said to go on floors only next year, after Junior B wraps up his third heist franchisee with Aditya Chopra.u00a0