Being a Bollywood star often means living with constant speculation about your next project. Rumours spread fast, and sometimes actors have to step in and set the record straight themselves. In recent weeks, multiple actors have publicly denied being part of major films, shutting down reports that had been circulating across social media and entertainment portals.
Emraan Hashmi was the latest to address such speculation. Ranbir Kapoor also made his position clear regarding the much-discussed Dhoom 4. Here is a look at these stories and other instances where actors officially denied their involvement in big projects.
Emraan Hashmi Clears Air on Mehmood Role in RD Burman Biopic
The upcoming biopic on legendary music composer R.D. Burman has been generating significant buzz. Directed by Neeraj Pandey, the project reportedly features Farhan Akhtar in the lead role as the iconic musician, popularly known as Pancham Da. Earlier reports also suggested that Akshay Kumar might play the role of his late father-in-law, Rajesh Khanna, in the film.
Amid this casting chatter, rumours emerged that Emraan Hashmi was being considered to portray veteran actor and comedian Mehmood in the biopic. The speculation suggested that the film would explore Mehmood’s close friendship and creative partnership with R.D. Burman.
However, Hashmi quickly put an end to all such claims. On August 11, 2026, he took to X (formerly Twitter) and wrote:
“Just to clarify, the reports about me playing Mehmood saab in a biopic are untrue. I haven’t been approached for the film, nor am I doing it.”
The actor’s statement was clear and left no room for interpretation. He confirmed that he had never been approached for the role and was not associated with the project in any way. Multiple news outlets reported on his denial, with some noting that the film is expected to go on floors in September.
Hashmi, meanwhile, is preparing for the release of Awarapan 2, where he reprises his role as Shivam Pandit. With his latest clarification, fans can now put the Mehmood casting rumours to rest.
Ranbir Kapoor Says No to Dhoom 4
The Dhoom franchise has been a massive success for Yash Raj Films. The first film arrived in 2004 with Abhishek Bachchan as ACP Jai Dixit and Uday Chopra as Ali, alongside John Abraham as the stylish thief. Dhoom 2 followed in 2006 with Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai. The most recent instalment, Dhoom 3, released in 2013 with Aamir Khan and Katrina Kaif.
Since then, fans have eagerly awaited news of a fourth instalment. For years, rumours linked various actors to the project, with Ranbir Kapoor emerging as the most discussed name. Reports in 2024 suggested that producer Aditya Chopra believed Ranbir was the ideal choice to carry the franchise forward.
But Ranbir himself put an end to the speculation. While promoting Ramayana at San Diego Comic-Con in July 2026, the actor was asked about his involvement in Dhoom 4. His response was direct:
“No, right now I am working on Ramayana and another film called Love & War, which is directed by Mr Sanjay Bhansali. That should be out on January 24 next year.”
Interestingly, Ranbir did not mention Animal Park, the sequel to his 2023 blockbuster Animal, in his list of upcoming projects. This omission also caught attention, though he remained focused on confirming his current commitments.
Reports suggest that Ranbir was not fully convinced by the Dhoom 4 script and chose to step away after multiple rounds of discussions. Some industry insiders also claimed that the film’s script is still being developed and no casting has been officially finalised. Yash Raj Films has yet to make any official announcement regarding the fourth instalment.
With Ranbir out of the picture, speculation has now shifted to other names. Fans have suggested Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, and Vicky Kaushal as possible leads. However, nothing has been confirmed by the studio yet.
Farhan Akhtar Denies Lalkaar Rumours
Actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar also found himself at the centre of casting speculation. Whispers suggested that he might join Aamir Khan‘s upcoming sports-drama titled Lalkaar.
When asked about it by Mid Day, Akhtar responded with a witty remark:
“How do I exit a project when I had never even entered it officially?”
His response made it clear that he was never part of the project to begin with, effectively dismissing the rumours.
Vikrant Massey Addresses Ramayana Casting Rumours
The epic Ramayana, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, has been one of the most anticipated films in recent years. With Ranbir Kapoor and Yash in lead roles, the project has generated enormous interest.
Earlier this year, multiple reports claimed that actor Vikrant Massey had been replaced by Raghav Juyal in the film. However, Massey took to Instagram to clarify his position. In a now-deleted story, he wrote:
“OK. To put things to rest, I was never a part of this movie. Am not, never was… Nonetheless, wishing everyone on Ramayana all the very best. Will surely buy a ticket and watch it in cinemas.”
His statement confirmed that he was never approached for the role, putting an end to the speculation.
Related:
Why Actors Speak Out Against Rumours
In Bollywood, casting rumours are common. They generate buzz and keep films in the news. But for actors, such speculation can become overwhelming. When false reports circulate, they often feel the need to clarify their position to avoid misleading their fans and the industry.
Emraan Hashmi‘s quick response to the Mehmood rumour, Ranbir Kapoor‘s clear denial at Comic-Con, and Vikrant Massey‘s Instagram post all show how actors are taking control of their narratives. By speaking directly to their audiences, they ensure that only accurate information reaches the public.
As for the projects themselves, the RD Burman biopic and Dhoom 4 remain in development. Fans will have to wait for official announcements from the makers regarding casting and release dates.
Also Read: Ramayana Gets Different Release Dates for India and Overseas, Producer Explains the Two-Day Gap
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