Anushka replaces Deepika

Ayaan Mukerji's second film with Ranbir Kapoor and Karan Johar's Dharma Productions has come up with a new surprise. Deepika Padukone, who was cast as the female lead in the film, has just been replaced.

Much like her off-screen life, Anushka Sharma will now be romancing Dippy's ex-flame on screen.

A source explains how the personal undercurrents have complicated the casting of the film, saying, "Deepika and Ayaan have been great friends for a long time now. While discussing the film, Deepika suggested that she wanted to be a part of the film.

Ayaan thought she was apt for the role. However, there have been many ifs and buts since then. Ranbir's then girlfriend, Katrina, was not very happy with Deepika being a part of the film. Besides, there were speculations about Katrina herself doing the movie.

However, after Ranbir and Katrina's recent break up and the actor's link-up to various women including Anushka, she seemed like the next obvious option for the role. And so, now, Anushka has been finalised for the film."

When contacted Karan Johar said, "Ayaan is still writing the film. He will lock his script in a month and then we will finalise everything. Right now the only person signed for the film is myself as the producer."

Ayaan and Anushka remained unavailable for comment.