Vickey Lalwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 21, 2014)

Karan Johar's magnum opus Shhuddhi hit a roadblock after the original casting of Hrithik Roshan and Kareena Kapoor fell apart when Hrithik opted out in February, thus delaying the project. "I cannot let a vision like Shhuddhi stagnate any further,” said he. The film may roll soon with Ranveer ping into Hrithik’s shoes. A source close to the development told Mirror that as soon as the actor returns from Delhi, where he is shooting for Shaad Ali’s Kill Dil, he will meet Karan Johar and director Karan Malhotra for a final round of talks before he signs on the dotted line. Last week, the trio had a long meeting wherein Ranveer gave his consent to play the male lead.

His Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-leela heroine Deepika Padukone has been finalised as the female lead. Her name was being tossed around even when Kareena Kapoor Khan was the official pick (Mirror, December 17, 2013).

 Many names, including that of Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan were doing the rounds, to replace Hrithik. But the source tells us, “Karan has zeroed down on Ranveer.”

 So, how will Ranveer juggle Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Bajirao Mastani and Karan’s Shhuddhi? After all both are big budget projects with demanding roles. “That won’t be a problem as Bhansali’s film will not take off before March 2015,” added the insider.

 Karan Johar and Ranveer Singh chose not to comment.