Besharm girl found for Ranbir; Pari loses out

Pallavi Sharda, seen in films like My Name Is Khan and Love Breakups Zindagi, bags the lead role opposite Kapoor after Parineeti Chopra fails to make the cut

Roll out the red carpet and welcome Ranbir Kapoor's new (on-screen) girl. For Abhinav Kashyap's Besharm, the makers have zeroed in on Indo-Australian actor-dancer Pallavi Sharda. Apparently, Parineeti Chopra was also in the running, but things didn't work out.

"Pallavi has been confirmed for Besharm. As for Parineeti, she had auditioned for the part, but the makers weren't convinced. Later, when they came across Pallavi, they unanimously agreed that she fit the role perfectly. She signed the contract a few days ago," says an insider close to the production house.

Pallavi has been seen in small roles in films like Love Breakups Zindagi (2011), Dus Tola (2010) and My Name Is Khan (2010). "This is her big break. Besides the makers, Ranbir also feels that Pallavi fits the bill," says the insider, adding that the film's shooting starts around OctoberNovember.

Interestingly, Mahesh Bhatt's daughter Alia (who makes her debut in Karan Johar's Student Of The Year) and Sonakshi Sinha's name were also doing the rounds. "We are not aware of Alia and Sonakshi, but Parineeti surely came for the auditions at Abhinav's office," says the insider.

Pallavi, on her part, remains guarded. When asked if she has signed any big Bollywood films, all she says is: "A few things are working out, but I can't comment until the announcement is made."

Although not much is known about Besharm's storyline, it's believed that Ranbir will play a streetsmart, uneducated 'tapori' (ruffian). He steals the heroine's car leading to their encounters. The actor may be attending a few workshops to get into character.