Kareena Kapoor had landed a dream role. However, it’s not with her anymore, thanks to cousin Ranbir Kapoor. The actress had apparently been cast to play Madhubala in the Kishore Kumar biopic. But because Ranbir is playing the singer-actor-filmmaker, the two cannot be paired romantically.

Now, the producers, UTV, and the director, Anurag Basu, have begun to brainstorm over who to cast opposite Ranbir.

A source in the production house says UTV had considered Kareena when Shoojit Sircar was expected to direct the movie. The company had even initiated talks with Aamir Khan about two years ago.

Apparently, Khan and Sircar did not agree on certain elements and then the UTV approached Shah Rukh Khan. But things didn’t work out with him either and Sircar also opted out. Buzz then was Imtiaz Ali would anchor the biopic. Finally, Anurag Basu took over.

“UTV decided to wait till they had confirmed the actor to play Kishore Kumar before approaching Kareena for Madhubala’s role. But before initiating talks with the Khans, UTV had told Kishore Kumar’s wife, Leena Chandavarkar, that they had Kareena in mind,” says a source, adding that Kareena topped their wish list even after Sircar’s exit. “They weren’t sure if Ranbir would agree. But once he gave the nod, she was out.”