News-Ranbir not a part of Vinod Chopra's next

Ranbir Kapoor has been in the news since his much appreciated performance in Imtiaz Ali's Rockstar. The latest being that the actor is competing with Shahid Kapoor for the lead role in Vidhu Vinod Chopra's next project titled Chithiyan. However, Ranbir revealed to Mumbai Mirror that he is not doing the film for sure.

According to media reports, Ranbir and Shahid - the two actors who have been pitted against each other professionally as well as personally, were being considered for the lead role in Chopra's love triangle saga. While Chopra's favourite Sharman Joshi, who had worked with the filmmaker in 3 Idiots as well as Ferrari Ki Sawaari, had reportedly been finalised to play one of the male leads in the film, Shahid and Ranbir were contending for the other.

A source close to the film told Mumbai Mirror, "It has not been finalised yet as to who will play the male lead. Vidhu might just zero down on a few other names as well. A decision will be taken on this regard soon enough."

Reportedly, Vidhu had met Ranbir in Los Angeles and had even narrated the script of Chithiyan to him.

While the leading lady has not been finalised either, Shahid seems to be the only contender for the second male lead at the moment.

However according t our source, this film is not on Chopra's priority list as of yet. "Currently, he is busy with Ferrari Ki Sawaari. However, soon he will focus his attention on Chithiyan. The film is supposed to go on floors by July 2012," added the source.

Though Ranbir reverted to our question on whether he was doing Chopra's film with a curt 'Nope', when inquired why he declined the offer, the actor chose not to dwell on it.

On the other hand, while Vidhu Vinod Chopra remained unavailable for comment, a source close to the filmmaker confirmed the news saying, "Yes, Ranbir is not doing Chithiyan. Vidhu and Ranbir mutually decided not to work on this project. Ranbir had some date issues. They would however love to work in the future."

Vidhu and Ranbir decided not to work now. They would love to work in the future