Imran Khan Quits '2 States'

Imran Khan Quits '2 States'

Days after giving his nod, Imran Khan has opted out of the screen adaptation of Chetan Bhagat's 2 States, a joint production by Sajid Nadiadwala and Karan Johar.
Imran, 29, was announced as male lead in early June, but has now opted out because his dates are clashing with Tigmanshu Dhulia's Milan Talkies.
"Imran was very keen to do the film and also loved the subject of the film. He had even read the book and wanted the film to start next year. However, co-producer Sajid Nadiadwala was very keen that the film goes on the floors in November this year. However Imran expressed his inability to shoot in November as he had already committed his dates to Tigmanshu Dhulia's film. He also wanted some days off to promote his film with Vishal Bharadwaj," a source told Mid-Day.
Sajid and Karan have reportedly shotlisted two possibe male leads and an announcement will be made soon. The female lead will be decided after the male lead is announced.
Originally the film was announced in the fall of 2010 with Saif Ali Khan as male lead, with Priyanka Chopra's and Deepika Padukone's names doing the rounds a likely female leads.
In December 2010, Vishal Bhardwaj stepped in as the director/co-producer of the film and Shah Rukh Khan was announced as the lead.
Within a month, there were reports of SRK and Bhardwaj having creative differences and the film likely being shelved.
October 2011, Karan Johar stepped in as a co-producer of the film, and Ranbir Kapoor was brought on board as male lead. The actor confirmed he was in the film to media outlets, but the film still failed to see the light of the day.
Imran has a busy year ahead. He will begin filming for Milan Luthria's Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai Again in August. Next, he will film for Tigmanshu Dhulia's Milan Talkies, followed by Punit Malhotra's Next in early 2013.