For the sequel of Rock On!!, the makers, Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani's Excel Entertainment, never confirmed Alia Bhatt in the role of the female lead. But there was a strong buzz that the actor was seriously being considered, especially after making quite a splash as an actor who can also sing with Sooha saha from Highway and Samjhawan (unplugged) from Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhaniya.

It is the same reason that Shraddha Kapoor, another actor with singing abilities, was also in the race for the sequel of the 2008 Hindi rock musical.

Now, it is learnt that Alia Bhatt's prior commitments have ruled her out. Alia, who has had a career-defining year in 2014, is currently working on 'Queen' director Vikas Bahl's next, 'Shaandaar'. Also in her kitty is Ayan Mukerji's project with Ranbir Kapoor. It is learnt that Excel Entertainment is now looking to launch a new actor in the said role.

The sequel of Rock On!! retains the original cast of Farhan Akhtar, Arjun Rampal and Purab Kohli sans Luke Kenny, whose character had died. The sequel however, is being made by a debut director, ad filmmaker Shujaat Saudagar.