Ranbir is not 'The Bachelor'

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Ranbir Kapoor (TOI Photo) More pics

We were the first to tell you that Ajay Devgan is expected to play Karan and Manoj Bajpai to play Duryodhan in Prakash Jha's modern version of the Mahabharat titled Rajniti (April 6).

Our source reveals the actor who will play another key character — Arjun — Ranbir Kapoor is expected to play Arjun. Apparently Ranbir had read the script before leaving for Italy to shoot for Siddharth Anand's Bachna Aye Haseeno, and he loved the role. Ranbir has informed Jha's office that he is willing to do the film. Says an industry insider, "Ranbir is new to the industry, but he is very professional and very sorted out. He does not keep the filmmakers waiting for long, irrespective of whether he wants to do the film or not. This time was no exception, and he clearly told Jha's office that he will soon allot his dates for Rajniti."

Rajniti, which will be extensively shot in Jamshedpur and the USA, will have all the political twists of the Mahabharat, but will be set in contemporary times. When contacted, Prakash Jha, who has made highly acclaimed films like Mrityudand, Apaharan and Gangaajal brushes aside all claims and says, "Why are so many people talking about Rajniti when I haven't made an official announcement yet?"

However, a friend of Ranbir confirms that he is indeed doing Rajniti. "Ranbir will soon allot the dates to Prakash Jha," Ranbir's friend says.

After completing his shoot in Italy, Ranbir will proceed to France and join girlfriend Deepika Padukone to shoot a song for Bachna Aye Haseeno.