Hiren Kotwani (BOMBAY TIMES; April 12, 2014)

Mahesh Bhatt has dismissed all speculations about Vidya Balan not being a part of his next production, Hamari Adhuri Kahani. He said the film, which also stars Emraan Hashmi and Rajkummar Rao, cannot be made without the actress. “I’ve always maintained that this film cannot be made without Vidya, as it requires a certain Indianness and emotional quotient. It requires great performance and there is no alternate option,” he said. The filmmaker and the actress met on Thursday afternoon and discussed the project in detail.

 So, why are there rumours about Vidya opting out of the film, to be directed by Mohit Suri? Bhatt said, “They are all speculations, which started because of the change in Emraan’s dates as he had to attend to his son’s treatment. We’re shooting in various places, including the Middle East.” 
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Vickey Lalwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 12, 2014)

 Ever since she dropped out of Sujoy Ghosh’s next film, Durga Rani Singh, citing health problems and announced that she was on an extended break, the grapevine has been buzzing overtime about Vidya Balan. There was intense speculation about whether the ‘voluntary vacation’ was prompted by a pregnancy, until the actress put those rumours to rest. Mirror (March 22) had earlier reported that within hours of arriving home from a US holiday with husband Siddharth Roy Kapur three weeks ago, Vidya had met Mahesh Bhatt and assured him that she was definitely doing Hamari Adhuri Kahani, co-starring Emraan Hashmi and Rajkummar Rao, the only film she has in her kitty at the moment besides Bobby Jasoos.

 Mirror has now learnt that Vidya had another meeting with Mahesh on Thursday. In fact, the meeting was pushed ahead from Friday to Thursday because she wanted to be assured that the film was happening, and happening with her. Since a couple of days, it was also being said that she has been replaced by a younger Shraddha Kapoor in Bhatt's love triangle.

 When contacted, Mahesh said, “Vidya and I met for an official narration and during the meeting, I categorically told her that if she didn’t do Hamari Adhuri Kahani, I will not make the film since it needs her personality and talent. I hope this puts an end to rumours of her being replaced. The film rolls in September with Vidya.”