September 2, 2010 (Sampurn Wire):Director Deepa Mehta sounded very excited when she signed Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut for her next film 'Midnight's Children', which is based on Salman Rushdie's book by the same name. But now, the actress has quit the project by clearing the way for another actress to play the role of Emerald, which was offered to her.

On 10th August, a delighted Deepa Mehta was quoted stating to media that Kangana has agreed to act in her upcoming movie 'Midnight's Children'. The Academy Award-nominated director praised Kangana saying that she is a wonderful actress.

A source was quoted stating that Kangana is very busy with another movie 'Dhamaal 2', which will start shooting very soon so she could not manage dates.

Kangna will also be seen in Salman Khan's movie that is to be directed by Mahesh Manjrekar. Moreover, she has committed for David Dhawan's 'Rascal', Pritish Nandy's film 'Actor' with Amitabh Bachchan, 'Bullet Train' by Priyadarshan, 'Tanu Weds Manu', 'No Problem' and 'Knockout'.

Some time back, another actress Rani Mukherjee also quit the film because she was not interested to play a mother of a 14 year old. There was a report of Vidya Balan, also not taking up the project when she was offered a role in the movie.

However, Deepa seems to be more upset when Kangana left the film. In fact, she was quoted to have said that she had second and third choices for the other characters but she wanted Kangana specifically for Emerald's character.

Well, there is no other choice now for the director but look for a new face for the role!

-- Sampurn Wire