Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh
Deepika Padukone and Ranveer SinghVarinder Chawla

A day after reports claimed that Deepika Padukone has been signed for "Shuddhi", it appears the filmmakers have now roped in Ranveer Singh for the male lead.

"Shuddhi" casting has seen some drama for months now with the film's original lead actor Hrithik Roshan opting out of the film followed by female lead Kareena Kapoor.

And it now seems, after several speculations, the film's team has found their perfect lead in Singh.

"Karan (Johar) has zeroed down on Ranveer," a source revealed to Mumbai Mirror. The report of Singh being confirmed comes just after his alleged girlfriend and "Ram-leela" co-star Padukone was rumoured to have been finalised for the film.

Singh, who is presently occupied with Shaad Ali's "Kill Dill", had reportedly met with Johar and the film's director Karan Malhotra and agreed to be a part of the film. The actor is expected to sign up for the film, after he returns from his Delhi shoot.

Padukone and Singh being the final choices for "Shuddhi" comes surprising since it was only last month that Johar had played down speculations that the duo is being considered for the love story.

However, it should be noted that Padukone and Singh's casting has not been confirmed by either Johar or Malhotra yet.

Meanwhile, the film is expected to start rolling from this yearend, and both Padukone and Singh should be able to wrap up their prior commitments by the time. Also since the film's release date has been finalised for 25 December next year, the shoot of the magnum opus from this yearend appears quite reasonable.