The film rolls by the end of the year; casting for a sizzling special appearance currently underway
Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 20, 2015)
In 2014, Gauri Shinde took off to New York to script her next film - a hatke story on love.

The filmmaker's debut hit, English Vinglish, had marked the comeback of Ms Hawa Hawai, Sridevi, and her yet-to-be-titled next, has a one-of-a-kind jodi in the lead. "It's a different, beautiful story about love. You cannot call it a love story, because Shah Rukh Khan and Alia are not opposite each other. Shah Rukh is too old to be Alia's lover," a source close to the development told Mirror.

Gauri had decided to roll with her film in May, but the filmmaker was warned against strenuous activities owing to her slip disk. She had even been hospitalised (Mirror, June 9) during the pre-production stage. "I have been down with a partial slipped disc... And no, I haven't finished the casting of my film yet," Gauri had revealed.

But on Wednesday evening, the director was up and about, escorting Alia to her car after an hour-long meeting at her Khar office, which is also the workplace of her husband, R Balki, who is presently filming Ki and Ka with Kareena Kapoor and Arjun Kapoor. "It was an hour-long meeting that ended at 4pm. This was the first meeting between the two, after the actress returned from her recent stint in London with sister, Shaheen," says the source.

Meanwhile, Balki too is completely involved in the pre-production of the film. "Even though the casting of the leads is complete, there is still a pending requirement," the source points out, adding that the unit is now in search of the perfect actress to do a special appearance in the film.

Buzz was the film follows the journey of a young girl who dates three men in her life and with each new relationship, discovers a new perspective on life. The makers were keen to cast Katrina Kaif in the film, but decided to go ahead with a younger actress. "She's young, lively and fabulous.

You'll have to wait and watch," the source adds.

The film rolls by the end of the year.
----------------------------
MID-DAY (August 20, 2015)

Gauri Shinde’s second project has been in news for quite some time for its casting. While speculation was rife about Katrina Kaif being considered for the lead role, it has finally emerged that she has signed Alia Bhatt. The film will have Shah Rukh Khan, too, but not in a cameo appearance as widely reported — he has a full-fledged lead hero role.

A source says, “Gauri had approached Katrina, but things did not work out. Later, Karan Johar came on board as the producer and Alia was offered to play the leading lady in the untitled project. After Alia, Shah Rukh has agreed to do this film.”

Industry insiders said that KJo suggested Alia’s name for the film and was keen to have SRK as the hero for a fresh, unusual pairing. “Shah Rukh liked the script and gave his nod to Gauri for the lead hero role. The film will go on floors next year,” adds the source.

While Shah Rukh was unavailable for comment, a source close to SRK confirms the news and says, “ It is an interesting and fresh combination to look forward to.” Buzz also suggests the casting for three newcomers, who will be seen in key roles, is underway.

KJo later tweeted about the duo teaming up for the film.