• After extended discussions, star refuses Bhansali’s next love story

Mumbai, Aug 9: Not so long ago most actors would have killed to be a part of a Sanjay Leela Bhansali movie. But the mercurial director it seems is finding it tough to get the right actors for his next film, yet another love triangle after Saawariya.

Bhansali who is very particular about the actors he casts had his heart set on signing Hrithik Roshan for his new venture. The two had been in talks and sources close to the developments say that the director had even sent Hrithik a copy of the bound script.

"Bhansali and Hrithik have always had cordial relations, and Bhansali has been in talks with him for three-fours years for various projects, but Hrithik is very particular when it comes to matters professional.

After Saawariya, Bhansali and Hrithik have been in talks, Hrithik even went to the director’s house for meetings, and just when everything seemed set, he backed out," says the source.

Hrithik who is at present in Mexico with his father Rakesh Roshan, shooting for his home-production Kites being directed by Anurag Basu, informed Bhansali two days ago that he would be unable to do the film. The reasons for declining the film are not known.

Unfortunately for the director, the other star on his wishlist for the second hero's role too has had second thoughts. Bhansali, our source reveals, had been in touch with his Saawariya hero Ranbir for the second hero's role but nothing went beyond initial discussions.

Right now, Ranbir is busy with Yash Raj Films' Bachna Ae Haseeno, Rajkumar Santoshi's Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani and Prakash Jha's Rajniti. He has also given dates for Karan Johar's next film (untitled) which leaves him with little time for his mentor's movie.

Both Hrithik and Bhansali remained unavailable for comment, but there is speculation about the future of the project. Remember how Bhansali who had set his heart on casting Ash and Salman had canned Bajirao Mastani because he couldn't get them to act together again?