Heroine is no longer just Kareena Kapoor's film

By Subhash K Jha Heroine is no longer just Kareena Kapoor's film. It's now a love story between an actress and an actor.  Apparently Arjun had two long discussions with the film's producers UTV and director Madhur Bhandarkar where Arjun suggested changes in the script. These suggestions were duly accepted and incorporated.  The ever-interesting actor that he is, Arjun Rampal is done with being taken for granted by filmmakers. No more "strong supporting parts" for Arjun Rampal. From now on Arjun will be seen playing lead roles.  The challenge to cast off the mantle of the "strong supporting actor" has taken on a new dimension in Madhur Bhadarkar's Heroine with Arjun insisiting on a his role being clearly and comprehensively fleshed out.  Says a source, "Arjun doesn't mind doing heroine-oriented roles. He has done We Are Family with formidable actresses like Kajol and Kareena and held his own. But no more films for 'family'. This time around if Kareena is playing the title role Arjun wants to make sure his part is substantial enough to be termed the male lead. "  Says a source, "There was talk of Kaareena's character being supported by several male actors including Arunodoy Singh who are to play the men who walk in and out of her life. But Arjun didn't want to be projected as just one of Kareena's love interests. He didn't want to look like one of the guys propping up the heroine on the poster of Heroine. "  Arjun has apparently got his role more clearly etched in the script. He has also ensured that he is projected as the solo male lead of Heroine.  Sure enough when Siddharth Roy Kapoor CEO UTV Motion Pictures was contacted he said, "Arjun Rampal is the male lead in Heroine. The other actors play supporting parts. " To his credit Arjun doesn't deny asking for changes in the Heroine script. "I did make some suggestions which I thought were for the betterment of the film. They were kind enough to accept these changes. I don't mind doing heroine-oriented films.  I've done one with Kareena in the past (We Are Family). But at this point in my career I cannot do supporting roles. Heroine is basically a love story between the actress and the actor played by me. It's a challenge for me because I've never played an actor before. "  Happily, Arjun starts shooting for Heroine on his birthday on 26 November.