Karan Johar‘s Shuddhi, directed by Karan Malhotra has been in the news again, and this time not because of Hrithik Roshan‘s surgery, but because of rumors of Kareena Kapoor being replaced by Deepika Padukone.
Shuddhi was supposed to go on floor immediately after the release of Krrish 3. But, due to Hrithik Roshan’s health issues, the shooting schedule has been pushed indefinitely. Karan had signed Kareena Kapoor to play the female lead opposite Hrithik. If reports are to be believed then he was having second thoughts.
Karan Johar had worked with Hrithik Roshan and Kareena Kapoor almost twelve years ago in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. This was also the reason why he was keen to get this pair back on screen.
However, recently Kareena Kapoor has not been very lucky for Karan. Karan produced Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu in 2012, and the very recent Gori Tere Pyaar Mein in 2013. Both these films had Kareena Kapoor as their leading lady, and have fallen flat at the Box Office. If sources are to be believed then this was one reason why Karan Johar and his team were thinking of replacing Kareena Kapoor, and hence Deepika Padukone was approached.
Karan is said to be keen on signing Deepika Padukone, as she is more bankable, given her recent Box Office record. Also, together with Deepika, Karan has had a jackpot with Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani earlier this year.
“It’s true, Deepika has been approached for Shuddhi. However, she still needs to read the script and take a decision,” said a source very close to Karan Johar.
Shuddhi is one of Karan Johar’s ambitious project with a lavish production. It will be shot in Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Uttarakhand and Rishikesh. Like his previous film Agneepath, this too has been written by Karan himself, and has Pankaj Kapoor playing a pivotal character, that has gray shades in the film. Initially, the film was expected to hit the theatres in December 2014, but now once Hrithik Roshan is back, and is medically fit, and over his personal crisis, he will begin the shooting for Shuddhi.
“Everything was being considered, and nothing was final. But in the end, heart won over head, and Karan has decided to go with Kareena Kapoor,” said the source. To put aside all rumors, Karan Johar even tweeted, “Kareena Kapoor is very much a part of Shuddhi, which stars Hrithik Roshan, directed by Karan Malhotra. The film will commence next year.”
Well, that’s what friends are for! Way to go, Karan Johar!
