Friday, February 20, 2026
15.1 C
New Delhi

Don 3 casting buzz: Farhan Akhtar in talks with Rajat Bedi

Don 3 casting buzz: Farhan Akhtar in talks with Rajat Bedi after Vikrant Massey’s exit

Farhan Akhtar’s Don 3 is currently going through a phase of internal recalibration. After the exits of Kiara Advani and Vikrant Massey, the makers are reassessing key roles in the film as they work toward stabilising the long-awaited third instalment of the iconic franchise.Sources now indicate that Farhan Akhtar has initiated conversations with Rajat Bedi for an important part that was earlier being developed for Vikrant Massey.

Rajat Bedi enters the picture

Rajat Bedi, who recently drew attention with his performance in The Ba***ds of Bollywood (2025), is being considered for a pivotal role in the film. According to a source familiar with the development, discussions between the actor and the producer-director have already begun.“Farhan and Rajat have had an official conversation. They are expected to meet in mid-January at Farhan’s Khar office to discuss the role in detail,” the source told HT, adding that the character is central to the narrative and undergoing revisions.

Vikrant Massey’s role reworked

Vikrant Massey’s exit from Don 3 was reported in July 2025, with industry insiders suggesting that the role did not evolve in the direction the actor had hoped for. The part reportedly demanded a transformation and depth that ultimately did not materialise in the final draft. While several names were floated as potential replacements at the time, including Aditya Roy Kapur and Vijay Deverakonda, the makers chose not to move forward until the script was further refined.

Ranveer Singh’s status remains nuanced

Speculation around Ranveer Singh’s association with Don 3 has been persistent, especially following the blockbuster success of Dhurandhar. Contrary to early rumours suggesting a strategic exit, later reports clarified that Ranveer’s situation with the project stemmed from creative differences rather than box office considerations.No official statement has been issued by Ranveer Singh or the film’s team, but insiders maintain that such divergences are not uncommon in large-scale franchise films.

‘Don 3’ Talks Begin: Farhan Akhtar Approaches Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra May Return

Franchise legacy influences casting chatter

As casting discussions continue, industry chatter has also revived interest in Hrithik Roshan as a possible addition to the Don universe. His brief appearance in Don 2 remains a talking point among fans and has reportedly kept his name in the mix during informal conversations, though no formal talks have been confirmed.Originally expected to move into production in 2025, Don 3 is now targeting an early 2026 start. With key roles being reconsidered and the script undergoing fine-tuning, the makers appear focused on aligning creative vision before locking the cast. Until official announcements are made, Don 3 remains a project in transition. Go to Source

Hot this week

Indian Navy ‘likely’ to commission third indigenous nuclear-powered submarine soon to boost its deterrence

India’s sea-based nuclear deterrent is expected to be strengthened soon as the country is likely to commission its third indigenous Arihant-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), INS Aridhaman (designated S4) by April and May. Read More

Iran holds more drills with Russia

This image provided Thursday Feb. 19, 2026 by the Iranian military and dated Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2025, shows navy ships conducting operations during a join drill by Iranian and Russian forces in the Indian Ocean. Read More

‘I Like Women; Not Young, Handsome Men’: Trump’s Off-Script Remarks At Board Of Peace Draw Chuckles

S President Donald Trump on Thursday inaugurated his new Board of Peace, as he drew chuckles with his off-script remarks aimed at Paraguayan President Santiago Pena. Read More

UK Deputy PM David Lammy Mentions Kolkata Ancestry, Jokes About ‘India’s Son-In-Law’ Rishi Sunak

David Lammy spoke about his long-standing friendship with Rishi Sunak and their ability to work together despite political differences. Read More

500 Years Ago: How Bihar’s Farid Khan First Became ‘Sher Khan’ And Then ‘Sher Shah Suri’

Sher Shah Suri, who ruled from 1540-1545, achieved remarkable feats. Read More

Topics

Indian Navy ‘likely’ to commission third indigenous nuclear-powered submarine soon to boost its deterrence

India’s sea-based nuclear deterrent is expected to be strengthened soon as the country is likely to commission its third indigenous Arihant-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), INS Aridhaman (designated S4) by April and May. Read More

Iran holds more drills with Russia

This image provided Thursday Feb. 19, 2026 by the Iranian military and dated Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2025, shows navy ships conducting operations during a join drill by Iranian and Russian forces in the Indian Ocean. Read More

‘I Like Women; Not Young, Handsome Men’: Trump’s Off-Script Remarks At Board Of Peace Draw Chuckles

S President Donald Trump on Thursday inaugurated his new Board of Peace, as he drew chuckles with his off-script remarks aimed at Paraguayan President Santiago Pena. Read More

UK Deputy PM David Lammy Mentions Kolkata Ancestry, Jokes About ‘India’s Son-In-Law’ Rishi Sunak

David Lammy spoke about his long-standing friendship with Rishi Sunak and their ability to work together despite political differences. Read More

Bagalkote Violence: Tensions Erupt During Shivaji Jayanti Procession, Prohibitory Orders Imposed

Authorities have imposed prohibitory orders in Bagalkote, Navanagar and Vidyagiri till February 24. Read More

Amrit Bharat Express To Offer Comfortable Travel From UP, Andhra, Bihar At Affordable Fares

The Amrit Bharat Express between Panvel and Alipurduar will run regularly with Vande Bharat-like facilities, 22 coaches, and direct connectivity to multiple states Go to Source Read More

Former Prince Andrew Released Hours After Arrest As Epstein-Linked Probe Intensifies

Show Quick Read Key points generated by AI, verified by newsroom Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, was released late Thursday after spending several hours in police custody over allegations of misconduct connect Read More

Related Articles