Bebo gets Ayushman kicked out of UP; wants a star

Was it non-star status and youthful looks or was it date issues that led to the actor's departure from Abhishek Chaubey's next?

The casting of Abhishek Chaubey's (of Ishqiya, Dedh Ishqiya fame) upcoming film, Udta Punjab, has turned into a game of musical chairs. On December 19, 2014 the director had confirmed to Mirror that Shahid Kapoor and Alia Bhatt were on board and the film will go on the floors in February. When quizzed about Kareena Kapoor and Ayushmann Khurrana, he said that he was "resolving a conflict".

Now, Mirror has learnt that Kareena has signed the film but Ayushmann, who was Chaubey's first choice and who himself was eager to be a part of the drugs drama, has been shown the door.

A source close to the development revealed that Kareena was categorical that she will only work with stars.

The source added, "Since Bebo isn't paired with Shahid, most of her scenes were with Ayushmann, who looked a little too young. Chaubey and Aayushmann then decided to team up for another project as this one wasn't meant to be."

However, when contacted Ayushmann's spokesperson insisted that he had opted out over date issues. "He won't be doing Udta Punjab as he starts promoting his two upcoming releases, Hawaizaada and Dum Laga Ke Haisha. He has also committed to Shoojit Sircar's Agra Ka Dabra and a yet-to-be-announced project," said the spokesperson.

We contacted Chaubey for a comment but he chose not to respond.

We also sent a message to Kareena Kapoor, but both she and her spokesperson refused to comment.

http://www.mumbaimirror.com/entertainment/bollywood/Kareena-scripts-Ayushmanns-exit/articleshow/45782755.cms