When asked about the Bachchan presence in the film, Luthria said: "I don't know where you heard this. But it's true. In the course of the film, the girlfriend of Ajay's character, played by Kangna Ranaut, mentions to him that a film should be made on his life."
"To this Ajay replies, 'Now you want me to turn into an actor?' Kangna then tells Ajay about a young intense actor named Ami who is just right to play Haji Mastan."
Bachchan played Mastan in Yash Chopra's "Deewaar", which was released in 1975. "Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai" is set in the 1970s.
Devgn, who plays Mastan in Milan Luthria's film, was often compared to Big B when he started his career, even by the superstar's wife Jaya Bachchan.
Luthria says Big B is not mentioned by name in his film.
"I'd never make any reference to Mr Bachchan that can be considered even remotely disrespectful. But yes, Kangna refers to him as 'the young intense actor'," he says.
Published 29 July 2010, 08:15 IST