Abhishek Bachchan has asked YRF, producers of his next film Dhoom 3, for time off in November to be with his wife Aishwarya Rai and their new born.
Aishwarya and Abhishek's first baby is reportedly due in November, around the time Dhoom 3 was to begin production and Abhishek says "I want to be with Aishwarya at that time. It is my responsibility and wish."
A source tells Mumbai Mirror, "Abhishek wants to spend some quality time with his baby and wife before getting back to work. Hence, he requested YRF to postpone the shoot for a month or two."
YRF have readily conceded Abhishek's request and pushed back the film's start date.
So it's going to be Pop, then Dhoom. You can read that as Dhoom 3 will start filming after Aishwarya pops, or Dhoom 3 will start filming after Abhishek becomes a Pop!
Abhishek is ready to report for work from mid-December, but the filmmakers will have to ensure availability of locations and technicians, which may push filming start further to January.
As for other actors' dates, Uday Chopra has no other films on hand and Aamir Khan's parts were planned to be shot towards the end anyways.
A YRF spokesperson confirmed the new scheduling, but refused to term it as re-scheduling.
"Well, our schedule of Dhoom 3 has still not been finalized. So, it's a little premature to be discussing a postponement. And yes, most certainly we will keep in mind the arrival of joy in the Bachchan household while planning Abhishek's schedule."
"Aamir comes in only around April or May next year. As of now, he is busy preparing his character which is that of a gymnast."
In the new installment of the Dhoom franchise, Abhishek, 35, will reprise his role as ACP Jai Dixit, a no nonsense cop, perpetually chasing an elusive and slick thief (Aamir Khan) who is always one step ahead in the game. Vijay Krishna Acharya (Victor) will direct. No female lead has been finalized as yet.
Aishwarya featured as Sunehri in Dhoom 2 (2006), but was paired with Hrithik Roshan.