Recovering Ranveer to play Priyanka's sibling in Zoya Akhtar's next
Ranveer Singh is due to be discharged from hospital after suffering from a case of dengue and is said to be in extremely poor health, but that hasn't stopped him from signing on top films with big banners. The actor who's been advised on nothing but rest for at least a fortnight is officially on board for Zoya Akhtar's next which was originally offered to Ranbir Kapoor.
Ranveer-Priyanka who play lovers in Gunday (above) will play siblings in Zoya Akhtar's next
Zoya, was keen to cast Ranbir with real life cousin Kareena Kapoor, in a film where the two would be playing siblings, but both actors opted out as they felt the pairing would appear too 'gimmicky'. This is when Ranveer was signed on.
What's surprising though, is the actress replacing Kareena. Sources confirm that Priyanka Chopra will take on the part and play Ranveer's sister in the film, which is a bit of a gamble on Zoya's part considering the two are paired romantically with each other in Yash Raj Films' Gunday.
"They are both very accomplished young talents. They will look as convincing as siblings and lovers," said a source close to Ranveer.
Ranbir and Kareena both turned down the film
We, however, are not so convinced, but if SRK-Ash pulled it off as siblings in Josh and as lovers in Devdas and Mohabbatein, you just never know. And besides, we trust Zoya who's filmography includes gems like Luck By Chance and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara.
And while we're at it, we'd like to wish Ranveer a speedy recovery too and hope he gets back to working on Gunday, Ramleela and Kill Dil, all of which are on hold due to the actor's fragile health.
Update: Ramleela music launch cancelled
The music launch of Ranveer Singh's Ramleela has been cancelled due to the actor's poor health. The decision has been taken by the film's director Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
A source close to the team revealed: "It was Bhansali's decision to cancel the music launch as he felt there is no point in releasing the music of Ramleela without Ram (played by Ranveer). For Sanjay, Ranveer's health is more important than anything else."
In Ramleela Ranveer is paired opposite rumoured girlfriend Deepika Padukone.
Video: Ranveer Singh in 'Tattad Tattad (Ramleela)