Im not doing Shuddhi-HRITHIK

Ever since his separation from wife Sussanne in December 2013, Hrithik Roshan has wanted to take a long break from work, something a leading actress even hinted at.

And days before he joined the Shimla schedule of Bang Bang, nursing personal wounds as they were, word was going around that he intended to exit the action caper. However, the studio bankrolling the project was confident that he'd never do something of the sort. He shot a schedule of the film with Katrina Kaif before undergoing surgery last year for a blood clot in his brain. Obviously, the makers were sure he'd honour his commitment.


Then talk began late last year of his continuing with Karan Malhotra's Shuddhi opposite Kareena Kapoor Khan, which was scheduled to release on Diwali 2014. Since then, there have been rumours of Bebobeing replaced, there seemed to be little to no doubt that Hrithik would definitely do the film, given his fantastic equation with both the Karans: Johar (his producer) and Malhotra (his Agneepath director). As it stands, Hrithik hasn't even begun work on the film!

In December, came the split from Sussanne. Quite naturally, the actor's personal world came crashing down and his priorities changed.

Hrithik has since picked up the pieces of his life, rebuilding it brick by brick. He recently rented a sea-facing apartment in Juhu, to be able to spend maximum time in the coming years with and be a hands-on dad to his two sons " Hrehaan and Hridhaan. He wants to be there for all their important school functions, their birthdays and take them on personal vacations.

ALSO READ: Getting married to Suzanne was my destiny: Hrithik

Naturally, it'd be impossible for the actor to juggle projects. He had already begun work on Bang Bang and there was no way out. He's mentally preoccupied with life and times in general and has backed out of Shuddhi, a reincarnation film he kept postponing due to unavoidable circumstances.

His official statement on Shuddhi read like this: "Karan Malhotra and I have decided to unite in the most ambitious way post Shuddhi. For now, I cannot allow a vision like Shuddhi to stagnate any further. I had the finest experience as an actor can have working with Karan M in Agneepath and I'm sure both my dear Karans (Johar and Malhotra) are going to go beyond with this one! Shuddhi remains a part of me in spirit and I'm sure it will be a landmark in our cinema. I wish them all the best!''

ALSO READ: There may be change in cast of 'Shuddhi': Karan Johar

Meanwhile, buzz is that the makers of Shuddhi are in talks with Ranveer Singh to fill Hrithik's shoes. It has been variously suggested as well, that Deepika Padukone is being locked to replace Bebo. Of course, this is all hearsay. A few days ago, KJo mentioned that Shuddhi would see a change of cast because he perhaps could see the future. Not wishing to jump the gun, the responsible media waited with bated breath for Hrithik to make the final announcement. And now that the, 'I'm not doing Shuddhi' message has come from the horse's mouth, guess everything is loud and clear... er... pure (shuddh).