After Uma Thurman turned him down, Vishal Bhardwaj has managed to sign up Franka Potente, who played Lola in Run Lola Run, for his next film.

Based on the life of Nadia, the Bollywood star of the 1930s, Julia will star Ajay Devgan in the male lead opposite Franka. The Australia-born Bollywood star had became famous as Fearless Nadia with her powerful, dare-devil roles.

For Julia, Vishal will be repeating most of his technical team from Omkara — cinematographer Tassaduq Hussain, art director Sameer Chanda and designer Dolly Ahluwahlia. Gulzar’s lyrics will again be set to Vishal’s own tunes. The director is also keen to give Saif ‘Langda Tyagi’ Khan a significant role in the film.

Franka Potente is expected to be in Mumbai anytime now.