Swastik's Mahabharat on Star Plus will see a delay in launch; channel asks Shaheer Sheikh to look for other opportunities

There has been much hype about producer Siddharth Tewary’s (Swastik Productions) ambitious project Mahabharat, which has Star Plus as the broadcaster. The mytho saga has been in making for quite some time now and every now and then, media reports about the makers roping in some face or the other as part of the ensemble cast. One popular face on television, Shaheer Sheikh is also a part of the magnum opus and in most probability will be seen playing the role of Arjun. Fans of the smart lad have been waiting anxiously for the mytho series to hit the screens so that they can relish some Shaheer magic all over again. But it seems that they have to wait for some more time… Yes, our sources have informed that the project has seen some delay and it will take time for it to see the light of day. “Actually I am under a contract with Star Plus. I cannot take work or assignments in other channels. I have been waiting for Mahabharat to hit the floors for over six months now. I have great faith in Swastik as they are a superb production house. I have worked with them earlier in Navya (Star Plus). But now I have got a call from the channel saying that the project is getting delayed and I can look for work elsewhere,” said Shaheer to Tellychakkar.com. So does it mean he is out of Mahabharat? “No, I don’t know. Actually it is a huge project and whenever it airs, it will be one of the best shows on television. Siddharth is leaving no stones unturned to make Mahabharat a great success. It needs a lot of research and planning. From costume to dialogue, everything has to be taken care of. I don’t know how much more time it will take before we start shooting.” A source further informed us that though Star Plus has asked Shaheer to seek work elsewhere, he cannot work with any other rival channel. He can take up assignments out of television sphere. “Shaheer is still bound by a contract with Star which most probably will terminate by the second half of 2013,” the source added. So what will Shaheer do in between? “If I get a call for Mahabharat, I will always take it up. After Navya, I have been working on my physique, skin and hair. I am re-energizing myself. But yes, in between, I am planning to direct short films. My fans have to wait for a while before they see me back on TV. I just hope things work well,” ended Shaheer with a smile. We also tried to reach Siddharth and even dropped him a text message, but he chose not to comment.