SINGER-actress Han Xue was reported to have been chosen to cross play the male lead in a remake of "A Dream of Red Mansions" film.

In the film, to be directed by Hu Mei, the pop singer and TV actress will portray Jia Baoyu, the Huaxi Urban News said Tuesday, quoting an anonymous insider. The film was adapted from the classical novel of the same name.

The report said Hu initially wanted Han to play the female lead, Lin Daiyu, but after a grueling search failed to find a Jia Baoyu candidate, Hu changed her mind.

Neither the director nor Han have directly confirmed the rumor. Han told the Huaxi Urban News that she had dreamed of playing a part in "A Dream of Red Mansions", but refused to give more details.

It is not clear who will play Lin Daiyu.

Chinese audiences have been so impressed by the 1987 TV adaptation of the "Red Mansions" that casting for new adaptations has since been difficult.

A much publicized TV remake is still experiencing difficulties in casting. Li Shaohong will direct the remake after Hu Mei pulled out in September dissatisfied with the results of a year-long casting search.

(SD-Agencies)