Amid Don 3 row, Farhan Akhtar may play Pakistani cricketer in Aamir Khan's next

Amid the Don 3 dispute involving Ranveer Singh, Farhan Akhtar is reportedly considering an on-screen role in filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker’s next project. He also remains attached to the film as a producer alongside Aamir Khan Productions. According to a report in Mid-Day, the film will mark Gowariker's reunion with Aamir Khan more than two decades after Lagaan (2001).

Set against the backdrop of India's Partition, the film will chronicle the life of Lala Amarnath, independent India's first cricket captain. Akhtar is said to be in consideration for a special appearance as a Pakistani cricketer, a possibility that has drawn attention amid the ongoing discussion around Don 3.

Possible extended cameo

Akhtar has been associated with the project as a producer, but he is not ruling out stepping in front of the camera. The report mentioned a source saying that he is likely to play a celebrated Pakistani cricketer in what is being described as an extended cameo.

"Even though it's an extended cameo, Farhan’s role is emotionally pivotal to the narrative. He plays Lala Amarnath's close friend, who remains in Pakistan after the Partition. The film isn’t just about cricket; it’s about friendship during one of the most turbulent moments in the subcontinent’s history. Ashutosh has asked Farhan to consider the role, but it’s not locked yet," shared a source.

The reported part places Akhtar within the film's larger story of cricket, friendship and Partition. As described by the source, the emotional thread of the film lies in the bond between Lala Amarnath and his close friend, who remains in Pakistan after the division of the subcontinent.

Lala Amarnath’s story

The film will centre on Lala Amarnath, who was independent India's first cricket captain. He also scored India's first-ever century in Test cricket in December 1933.

Gowariker's next project has become a talking point as it brings him and Aamir Khan together again after more than two decades since Lagaan. Against that backdrop, Akhtar's possible appearance in the film, while not yet finalised, has added another strand of interest to the project.

Meanwhile, Farhan Akhtar is at the centre of the news following his complaint against Ranveer Singh to Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) and the subsequent non-cooperation directive issued against the actor. The decision was announced by the film body on Monday. Akhtar, who co-owns Excel Entertainment with Ritesh Sidhwani, has reportedly demanded Rs 45 crore from Singh over losses incurred during the pre-production of Don 3 following the actor's abrupt exit.