After almost a whole year of rumours and speculations, it’s finally been confirmed. Shah Rukh Khan will be starring in the Rakesh Sharma biopic, Saare Jahaan Se Acha.

When asked by Indian Express if Shah Rukh Khan would be involved in the film, producer Ronnie Screwvala replied, “Yes”.

Screwvala also said, “It (The script) has been with us for quite a long time. The film will go on floors early next year. We will make an official announcement soon.”

According to other reports, Bhumi Pednekar will play the female lead in the film. The film will be directed by Mahesh Mathai and co-produced by Siddharth Roy Kapur.

Earlier, it was reported that Aamir Khan would be playing Rakesh Sharma in the film and Priyanka Chopra would be cast as the female lead. But he opted out and later, Priyanka did too.

The film was supposed to be titled ‘Salute’, but will now be called “Saare Jahaan Se Acha”, inspired by Rakesh Sharma’s infamous line.

Rakesh Sharma, was the first Indian astronaut to enter space and was there for 7 days. When then Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, asked him how does India looks from space, he answered, “saare jahaan se acha”, and hence, the title.