Arjun replaces John in 'Stepmom'

Now, Arjun Rampal is said to be playing Ed Harris’ part in the movie. “Karan had almost convinced John to do the role. He even promised that the husband’s role in the Indian version of Stepmom would be far more substantial than what Ed Harris did in the original. But John is at a stage in his career where he wants to
make all the right moves. He feels, as an outsider in the industry he should make a place that must be respected,” said a source close to John.

First Saif Ali Khan, then John was approached to play the lead opposite Kajol and Kareena Kapoor in the desi version of  Stepmom. In the original, Harris teamed up with Julia Roberts and Susan Sarandon. “John is finally learning to say no to projects even if they come from big banners if he isn’t convinced that he’d get proper performing space.

In Dostana, he went along with the sales-pitch that Abhishek was the ‘actor’ while John was the ‘body’. But in Dostana 2, John will make sure he will be the actor and the body.

He’s working hard on it,” said the source.

The latest on Stepmom is that Dharma Productions is yet to acquire the rights to
remake it in Hindi. “The modalities for that are still being worked out. Until the contract is signed, I wouldn’t want to comment on it. Stepmom was released in the same year as my directorial debut Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and I loved it. I look forward to developing it if the modalities are worked out. Of course you know Kajol and Kareena Kapoor are expected to play the two roles,” said Karan. Arjun, who did a walk-on part in Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, will wait as he has agreed to step into Stepmom if and when it gets made.