South superstar Rajnikanth has replaced cricketer Sachin Tendulkar in the devotional Marathi movie Vighnaharta Shri Siddhivinayak being directed by Yashwant Ingavale. Sachin was supposed to do a cameo in the film where he would be shown performing aarti in front of the deity. The cricketer had declined taking any fee for the project. “The filmmakers have approached Rajnikanth to do a cameo in the movie, which was originally supposed to be done by Sachin. Rajnikanth will  probably travel to Mumbai to shoot,” says an industry source.

The insider adds, “Apparently, Sachin’s injury has something to do with the sudden change of plans. Sachin was very eager to be a part of this film. But he’s apparently into nursing his injury and wants to hit the ground as soon as possible.”  Rajnikanth has very strong Marathi roots. He was born in a Marathi family in Karnataka and was the fourth child of his parents, Jijabai and Ramojirao Gaekwad. His original name is Shivajirao Gaekwad.