We haven’t approached Anushka Sharma for Batti Gul Meter Chalu: Prernaa Arora

The hunt for the leading lady for Batti Gul Meter Chalu starring Shahid Kapoor is still on. Katrina Kaif was said to be leading the race before a tabloid claimed that she was replaced by Shraddha Kapoor.

However, director Shree Narayan Singh had rubbished the report, but admitted that the team has held initial talks with Kaif. Today, India.com reported that Anushka Sharma has been chosen to play the female lead. However, producer Prernaa Arora of KriArj Entertainment, has rubbished the news.

“Anushka Sharma is working with us in Pari. We share a great business relationship, and while we would love to work more, the truth is we haven’t approached her for Batti Gul Meter Chalu. I believe Anushka will be busy with Sui Dhaaga, her film with Varun Dhawan,” said Arora.

The KriArj Entertainment head added that they are still keen on having Kaif on board.

“We are hoping to have a meeting with Katrina Kaif soon for the character narration. We are hoping that she likes the script. She is our first choice, but in case that doesn’t work out we have kept other options. We are looking to go on floors in early January,” she said.

Director Singh had told Cinestaan.com that since the film is set in Uttarakhand he was looking at someone who is comfortable with the north Indian lingo.

Would the London-born Kaif fit into such a character?

“Yes, the film is set in Hrishikesh, Dehradun, but Katrina is such a hard working actor that I don’t think that should be a problem. Director Shree and we all would work that out,” said Arora.

Batti Gul Meter Chalu has Kapor in the lead. The film is slated to be released on 31 August next year.