Hrithik not to star opposite Kareena in Shuddhi

Affair rumours put a halt to their on-screen pairing. After more than a decade, Hrithik Roshan and Kareena Kapoor were signed together in Shuddhi. The former, however, has decided to walk out of the project. Here's why.

Last month, Kareena Kapoor Khan had admitted that she didn’t know when Shuddhi, in which she and Hrithik Roshan were to act, was going on floors. “I haven’t met Karan Johar (producer), and Hrithik is busy with Bang Bang. Whenever the movie goes on floors, I’ll decide whether to do it,” she had said”

The film has been repeatedly postponed, primarily due to Hrithik’s head injury and subsequent surgery. Perhaps that is a factor behind the latest development, where the actor has opted out of the film. “Karan Malhotra (director) 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,” Hrithik said in a statement.

Hrithik Roshan

The actor-director duo have earlier worked together on Agneepath (2012). Hrithik says that he “had the finest experience an actor can have working with Karan Malhotra (in Agneepath), and I’m sure both my dear Karans are going to go beyond with this one!

Shuddhi

remains a part of me in spirit and am sure it will be a landmark in our cinema. (sic)”

Plans for

the film

were first announced almost two years ago, with shooting slated to begin this year and a release slated for 2015. Now, despite Hrithik’s exit, insiders insist that the film is “very much on”. An insider adds, “There is no question of shelving it. The project is very close to both the Karans’ hearts.” Only a few days ago, Johar had said in an interview that the film may take six months to a year, to go on the floors.

The magic of Hrithik-Kareena jodi

Their pair might not have delivered as many hits as SRK-Kajol's jodi has, but at one point they were one of the most charismatic on-screen couples of Bollywood. Hrithik and Kareena, in fact, were to start their Bollywood journey together with Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai, which eventually went to Amisha Patel.

They were, however, first seen in Kabhie Khushi Kabhie Gham. They went on to do Yaadein, Mujhse Dosti Karoge and Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon.

Affair rumours played the villain apparently. A magazine published a full story on their alleged affair, post which the duo decided not to work together again.

And then, Karan Johar decided to re-unite the estranged onscreen 'couple'.

With Shuddhi, Hrithik and Kareena decided to forget their bleak past, but alas the on-screen union has been stalled again.

Waiting for their next silver screen outing now!

(With additional inputs)