Approached; didn't sign on: Parineeti on film opposite Mahesh Babu

Approached; didn't sign on!'

Parineeti Chopra on opting out of a Tamil-Telugu bilingual opposite Mahesh Babu in lieu of film with Sushant Singh Rajput

Upala KBR

Waiting to see Parineeti Chopra in her first South film? Wait a little longer. She has opted out of AR Murugadoss' next, Mahesh23. The bilingual (shot in Telugu and Tamil) is supposed to be one of the most expensive South films ever, made on a '100-crore budget. The project also is Mahesh Babu's first Tamil film while director-turned-actor SJ Suryah has been roped in to play the role of an antagonist in this action-romance-drama. Principal shooting commences July 29 onwards. While there have been rumours about Parineeti signing up for it earlier, the actress tells us why she won't be a part of it.

There have been reports that she left the project and has been replaced by Rakul Preet Singh. Parineeti says, "I'm not sure who said that I was doing the film, but the fact is, there was never an announcement from our side. We never comment on any film till we sign on the dotted line. Maybe the news came from their team. Yes, I was approached for it and discussions were going on... Maybe that's why it led to the speculation, but one can only make an announcement once you sign it on paper. I never spoke about it. Unfortunately, as much as I would have loved to do it, I can't because the dates didn't work out. I am committed to Homi Adjania's Takadum and another film after that. Having said that, I would like to add that I would love to do South films, but unfortunately, none worked out because of dates or other issues. I would love to do all kinds of cinema, whatever the language."

Pari is kicked about her next, Takadum. "I love working with Sushant (Singh Rajput). We had so much give-and- take as actors when we did Shuddh Desi Romance together. It will be amazing to work with him again. Takadum is an intense film, which will require the two lead actors to have that chemistry and comfort level I have that with Sushant. Homi has always been on my wishlist of directors and I have always wanted to work with Dino (Dinesh Vijan). I am glad this project is finally kicking off. We start shooting, come October. I am very excited!"