Southern actor Rana Daggubati, who is set to make his Bollywood debut in "Dum Maaro Dum", has squashed rumours of a relationship with co-star Bipasha Basu.

"I have immense respect for Bipasha as a co-star and it's embarrassing that people should think otherwise. Don't know where the rumors keep creeping up from over and over again!" Daggubati posted on his Twitter page.

The 25-year-old actor, who has been reportedly dating Shriya Saran for the past five years, is said to have had a rift with her -- thanks to his closeness to Bipasha. However, Daggubati has denied anything more than a friendship with Shriya.

"Shriya has known me since I was in college. We've been great friends for over 8 yrs now. All other gossips are FALSE! (sic), " he added on the Twitter.

"Dum Maaro Dum", also starring Abhishek Bachchan, releases April 22.