Raqesh Bapat to play Chhota Rajan

We had earlier reported that 'Rajan', inspired by gangster

Chhota Rajan

’s life, will have Santosh Juvekar in the lead. However, we’ve come to know that Juvekar is not associated with the project anymore.

Popular TV actor

Raqesh Bapat

has replaced Juvekar and will be essaying the titular role. Director

Bharat Sunanda

confirmed, “We weren’t sure if Raqesh would fit the role initially but he has taken tremendous efforts to look the part. His sincerity is worth appreciating.” This will be the Pune boy’s second Marathi film after 'Vrundavan'.

The shooting of Rajan is almost through and it is expected to release towards the end of this year. Though the reason behind Juvekar’s exit is not known, sources suggest it was due to some issues with his dates.

It was also rumoured that Jackie Shroff would be playing the role of Dawood Ibrahim in this film, but things didn’t materialise. Besides, Raqesh, the film, produced by Vaman Patil, Surekha Patil and Dipti Bharat Bansode, will also feature veterans Arun Nalawade and Kishori Shahane in pivotal roles.