Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone inShuddhi?

Ranbir and Deepika were not the original choices for Shuddhi

Rumours about Shuddhi getting shelved and Deepika Padukone replacing Kareena Kapoor Khan in the film have been doing the rounds for a while now. First, there was talk about Kareena being unsure about doing this Karan Johar film opposite Hrithik Roshan due to date issues.

The actress also said that she would take a call on her involvement upon being approached again by the makers. Then came an announcement by Karan Johar who made it clear that he is looking for a new leading lady and does not want to keep Kareena waiting anymore.

The latest news in this saga is actor Hrithik Roshan's press statement where he has declared his exit from the project. "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 an actor can have working with Karan in Agneepath and I'm sure both my dear Karans (Malhotra and Johar) are going to go beyond with this one! Shuddhi remains a part of me in spirit and I am sure it will be a landmark in our cinema. I wish them all the best!" read his statement. It may be pointed out here that post his surgery, Hrithik has been busy shooting for Bang Bang and has not allotted any dates for Karan Malhotra's film. This in turn resulted in the film's delay.

According to sources, Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone have now been approached to star in the film.