Some time back it was heard that actor Sidharth Malhotra has been roped in to play a negative role in Ekta Kapoor and Mohit Suri's upcoming venture 'The Villain' (read news). However, the hunt was still on for the main protagonist.

Now, it is heard that Riteish Deshmukh has been approached for the same. If the actor agrees to play this role, it will indeed be an unusual casting.

Always the one to make everyone laugh, this will be the first time Riteish will be seen doing a negative role.

Currently, the actor is busy promoting and playing in his new CCL (Celebrity Cricket League) team 'Veer Marathi' with wife Genelia D'souza. He is also gearing up for 'Grand Masti' which is touted to release this year.