Monday, 10th February 10:00 AM IST





In an interview, Karan Johar admitted that his ambitious production, 'Shuddhi', could be indefinitely delayed owning to Hrithik Roshan's health problems and Kareena Kapoor may eventually not be a part of the cast. This was after both KJo and Kareena reacted to an article that the latter may be replaced by Deepika Padukone. Through tweets and interviews the duo asserted that Shuddhi was on course with Bebo on board.

And now we learn that Hrithik Roshan has opted out. In an official statement, the actor confirmed that he is no longer a part of 'Shuddhi'. "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 as an actor working with Karan Malhotra in 'Agneepath' and I'm sure that my dear Karans, Karan Johar and Karan Malhotra, 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 film in our cinema. I wish them all the best," he reiterated.

KJo and Karan Malhotra chose not to respond to the sudden development but according to a source close to the film, his accident on the sets of Bang Bang and the surgery that followed might have made Hrithik wary of taking up a film like 'Shuddhi' which would be a gruelling shoot and demands an optimum level of fitness.

While there has been a persistent buzz about Deepika Padukone replacing Kareena, something that has been denied by both the actress and the filmmaker, now tongues are wagging that KJo plans to approach Ranveer Singh to step into Hrithik's shoes.

If both Ranveer and Deepika agree, 'Shuddhi' could be their third film together after 'Goliyon Ki Rasleela: Ram Leela' and the upcoming 'Finding Fanny Fernandes' in which Ranveer plays Deepika's husband.

Meanwhile, Hrithik-Kareena fans will have to wait for a while for them to complete a hat-trick, after 'Yaadein' (2001) and 'Main Prem Ki Deewani Hoon' (2003). As of now, 'Shuddhi' is officially without a hero.