Shahid, Ranbir hanker after role...

Shahid and Ranbir Kapoor are in the running to play medieval Indian emperor Chandragupta Maurya in the book-to-film adaptation of Chanakya's Chant, the best-selling novel by Ashwin Sanghi.

The story revolves Chanakya, one of the greatest political strategists India has known.

The book has been picked up by a leading production house to be made into a motion picture. Casting has begun and buzz is that SK and RK are both keen on playing the emperor.

A source working on the film says, "The role demands someone young but can also carry off the role of a king. Ranbir and Shahid are the front runners for the role. A decision wll be taken in coming weeks."