Khoti Kismat! Hrithik-Kareena

Hrithik Roshan

We were the first to tell you (on January 3) that Hrithik Roshan is having second thoughts about doing Zoya Akhtar's directorial debut Kismat Talkies. It's now official: Roshan Jr has opted out of Zoya's film.

As if that wasn't bad enough, co-star Kareena Kapoor too has given the project a miss.

Cold shoulder

Producer Ritesh Sidhwani (who runs Excel Entertainment along with partner and Zoya's brother Farhan Akhtar) had earlier told us that they would start filming in May 2007 as Kareena had given dates from then on, but after Hrithik started demanding changes in the script, Zoya went hunting for a new hero. It is learnt that she spoke to Akshay Kumar, but he too gave her the cold shoulder.

Now, we've learnt that Kareena has allotted the same dates to Socha Na Tha director Imtiaz Ali's next film. A source says, "Once Hrithik opted out, Kareena decided not to do the film either.

Also, she knew that the film wouldn't start on time, so she decided to utilise those dates for Imtiaz's film."

When contacted, Imtiaz excused himself from telling us when he is starting his film with Kareena. "I am sitting with some people. Let's talk later," he said.

Anxiety attack

Kareena Kapoor

The source adds, "Things haven't been easy for Zoya from the time she planned the film. She was supposed to make her debut with a film titled Luck — By Chance in 2004. Unfortunately, the film never took off.

Now, she is hopping mad. First, Hrithik took her for a ride. Now, Kareena's decision has sent her into a tizzy."

When contacted, Zoya did not categorically deny that Hrithik and Kareena were not doing Kismat Talkies.

But her tone clearly suggested that she was in no mood to defend the actors who have given her so much anxiety. She said, "Kareena's hasn't given me any dates yet, nor have we asked for them.

As of now, she is still doing the film. I haven't been informed otherwise. As for Hrithik, there is no status."

Zoya also did not endorse Sidhwani's statement that the film will go on floors in May. "We have not yet decided when we will start the film. I've been very busy with Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd," she added.

Not out yet

Kareena remained unavailable for comment, but a source close to her said, "Kareena's not walked out of the film.

Zoya hasn't told her anything about it yet. The film has been tentatively delayed, that's all."

Hrithik and Kareena acted together in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Yaadein, Mujhse Dosti Karoge and Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon.

During the making of Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon, rumour mills had gone into an overdrive claiming that there was an affair brewing between them.

The two stars then decided to avoid doing films together. Farhan Akhtar, who is on good terms with both actors, eventually cajoled them into doing his sister's film.

Meanwhile, Imtiaz's film with Kareena stars boyfriend Shahid Kapoor. That could be one of the reasons why Kareena decided to avoid Zoya's film.

http://www.mid-day.com/hitlist/2007/february/152617.htm

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