Hrithik Roshan had torn a ligament in his right knee pushing himself for the action scenes of his career-biggest hits Krrish and Dhoom 2 last year and is paying for his foolishness for not giving it rest and time to heal.

The actor had been neglecting treatment so far, despite medical advice and his physiotherapist’s instructions and has to pay for it with six weeks of inertia. He has taken off to Singapore for ‘rigorous recuperation, rest and physiotherapy sessions, which took a backseat as the shoots of his first historical film kept extending.

source says, “Samir and Hrithik cracked a deal a few days ago. But both parties have mutually decided to remain tight-lipped about it.”

source also reveals that Hrithik will be shown as Salman’s son in the film.

source says, “Although Salman and Hrithik will not be seen together on screen, Hrithik will be playing Salman’s son in Mera Bharat Mahaan. Salman has a guest appearance in the film.”

Heroes is a story of two boys who start their road trip from Delhi to Chandigarh and then Manali to Ladhakh. On their journey these boys come across certain real life characters played by Salman, Preity, Sohail, Sunny and Bobby on this road trip and these people have such an affect that the seed of heroism blooms within them. So, basically the story is about this drastic change in the lives of these two boys.

Tulip Joshi has opted out of the film due to date problems and has been replaced by Amrita Arora. Sajid and Monty have composed the music for the film.

The next shooting schedule of Heroes starts from Nov 12 and the film is expected to release on May 1, 2008.

On asking Vikas Kapoor, the producer of the film, about the sudden change in the title of the film he says,” Since, every truck of India has got Mera Bharat Mahan written at the back and that was our concept. However, then we realized that the title Mera Bharat Mahan gave an impression of a patriotic film which was not true so, that is only reason to change the title to Heroes. It’s a youth film based on a road trip and not patriotism.”

Heroes is a story of two boys who start their road trip from Delhi to Chandigarh and then Manali to Ladhakh. On their journey these boys come across certain real life characters played by Salman, Preity, Sohail, Sunny and Bobby on this road trip and these people have such an affect that the seed of heroism blooms within them. So, basically the story is about this drastic change in the lives of these two boys.

The story doing the rounds about Salman, who helped Govinda in reviving his career, is that when wannabe director Soni hesitatingly approached the actor with the desire to direct a film, he said: “Do you have any scripts ready? Okay, you’ve 10 minutes. Narrate me an idea. And you are on.”

Soni nervously narrated an idea. And that’s how he got the chance to direct “Main Aur Mrs. Khanna”.

Sohail Khan, who has been shooting with Salman in Pangong and Leh for Samir Karnik’s “Mera Bharat Mahaan”, confirmed the news and said they are always looking for new talents.

“It is true bhai and I are on the constant lookout for scripts and directors for Sohail Khan Productions. Of course, we have friends like David Dhawan who has just done a great job in ‘Partner’. But we need new talent,” Sohail told IANS.

“When Prem Soni, who used to work for STAR India, approached Salman bhai he asked him to narrate an idea. He loved what he heard and sent Prem to me. We’re now casting for the film,” he said.

Govinda has already been given the go-ahead to play the male lead.

“Govinda is a part of our family now. He’s free to be in all our films,” he added.

As for his stint in “Mera Bharat Mahaan”, Sohail said: “I’m shown going on a biking trip with Vatsal Seth. Though basically it is both of us throughout the film, we both have leading ladies.”

Not many will be aware that an important schedule of MERA BHARAT MAHAAN was canned, early last month, in and around New Delhi’s crowded Khan Market. In fact, for one of the scenes, the bystanders were amused to see Sohail Khan in just a checkered short pant, walking down the busy Ajmal Khan Road, talking on a mobile.

The latest is that Salman Khan has recently returned from Chandigarh, where he shot for his secretary’s movie and that too at a very short notice.

It may be recalled that Vikas had approached Salman with a request for a fairly lengthy guest role and the big hearted hotshot actor obliged.

“We’ve been shooting here for Mera Bharat Mahaan. Yesterday while doing an outdoor scene with Salman I was running barefoot when a nail pierced the sole of my foot. At that time I didn’t feel the pain so much. But as the day progressed the foot got worse. I’m still alive and kicking. These things don’t bother me much, except that this one is hurting and hurting.”

Preity had to take a tetanus injection. “And now my arm too is heavy and swollen. So I’m managing on one foot and with one arm. And although I’m in considerable pain I’ve to continue shooting because we have to wrap up this week. Oh, the hardships of being an actress,” she chuckles and winces at the same time.

Preity will next be shooting in the Eastern India. “While last year I was out of the country most of the time this year I’m on an extended Bharat Darshan. I got quite sick of shooting abroad all the time. 2007 is my India Year. It’s so nice to see the rural areas. Right now everything is so green and lovely in Punjab. It feels good to know one’s own country even if I’ve to limp my way through the hinterland,” she winces as she draws attention to her injured foot again.