Apparently, Imran Khan is being replaced in Karan Johar's next owing to his conflicting timetable

The mystery over who will play the lead role in the Bollywood adaptation of Chetan Bhagat's novel 2 States deepens. While Imran Khan was said to be keen to do the film, buzz is that he had to opt out of it.

Apparently, the reason is that the actor's dates for this Abhishek Verman helmed project were clashing with his next venture that he has signed with Tigmanshu Dhulia.

A source close to the film said, "Imran was very keen to do the film and also loved the subject of the film. He had even read the book and wanted the film to start next year. However, co-producer Sajid Nadiadwala was very keen that the film goes on the floors in November this year.

However Imran expressed his inability to shoot in November as he had already committed his dates to Tigmanshu Dhulia's film. He also wanted some days off to promote his film with Vishal Bharadwaj."

The source adds, "So, Sajid and Karan have decided that they would be looking for an ideal replacement for the film and have already zeroed down on a couple of names whom they are talking to."

Incidentally the film was earlier scheduled to star SRK in the lead role and was to be directed by Vishal Bharadwaj. Even Ranbir Kapoor was supposed to do the film. However, after that Imran took over from Ranbir. Imran Khan and Karan Johar remained unavailable for comment.