Akshay Kumar not doing Rakeysh Mehra's film There is a rumour flying about that has people associated with Rakeysh Mehra stunned.

Rumours are running wild of different actors replacing Abhishek Bachchan in Mehra's next film Delhi 6.

Although the director himself says he'd rather speak of the project only when it's firmed in.

The latest actor thrown into the melee is Akshay Kumar. A very confident report in a daily announces that Akshay Kumar will be doing Rakeysh Mehra's semi-autobiographical film.

"Nothing of the sort! Rakeysh Mehra isn't even considering Akshay Kumar. The role of a young man coming of age in the hustle bustle of Chandni Chowk in New Delhi requires someone a little younger than Mr Kumar," a source every close to the project smiles politely.

The other actor tossed into the mix was Hrithik Roshan. "For a while when Abhishek's dates weren't working out Hrithik was a possibility. But Rakeysh was, and is, extremely keen to have Abhishek. The two have been discussing the script for years now." the close source informs, "Delhi 6 was written by Rakeysh with Abhishek in mind. They're very close friends and creative collaborators. Not too many people know Rakeysh was supposed to launch Abhishek in a film about Indo-Pak amity called Samjhauta Express. When J.P. Dutta stepped in with Refugee Rakeysh gladly backed out."

Even amidst the speculation as to who would finally do Delhi 6 when it starts shooting on location in Delhi this summer, efforts are being made to work Abhishek's dates out. "Abhishek understands Rakeysh as a director and an individual. Since the role is based on the director, no one is more qualified than Abhishek to be in Delhi 6," the source says finally.

Also putting these unfounded rumours to rest is Kumar himself. Speaking from Sydney, Australia, Akshay says, "I haven't even been approached for any film called Delhi 6. I'm shooting for Hey Baby in Australia. Delhi seems very far away right now."