Shraddha Kapoor bags Golmaal 4, pips Alia Bhatt

Ever since Kareena Kapoor Khan droppd out of the running for Rohit Shetty's hit franchise Golmaal, two names have been tossed around for the lead role. Shraddha Kapoor and Alia Bhatt were both competing for the same role opposite Ajay Devgn in the film. Now, reports have emerged suggesting Shraddha has pipped Bhatt to the post. 

Even before the fourth installment to the franchise was announced, director Shetty was clear that besides the usual cast of Ajay Devgn, Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor and Shreyas Talpade, he wanted to cast a younger hero and heroine. In a recent interaction with the media, the director also hinted that Kareena will be making an appearance in the film, either as a guest star or in a special song. 

Bhatt has just finished her Dream Team tour in the US, and will be returning to the country this week. Shraddha, meanwhile, has several projects lined up. She is currently working with Arjun Kapoor in the film version of Chetan Bhagat's novel, Half Girlfriend. She will also be seen alongside Farhan Akhtar and Arjun Rampal in Rock On 2.

Golmaal 4 is expected to release during Diwali in 2017.