Shahid Kapoor 'signs first Dharma Productions film'

Shahid Kapoor is said to have accepted a role in his first film for Dharma Productions.

The actor will be seen in Punit Malhotra's untitled follow-up to I Hate Luv Storys, claims Mumbai Mirror.

A source explained the complexity of why Kapoor has not worked for the production house before, saying: "Previously, Shahid was supposed to be a part of Soham Singh's directorial venture, Kaal. But at the last moment, he backed out of the film."

The source added that the actor turned down the project after Karan Johar replaced Kareena Kapoor - his girlfriend at the time - in Nikhil Advani's debut.

"Shahid was with Kareena back then and since she had a tiff with KJo about his decision to cast Preity Zinta in Kal Ho Na Ho instead of her, Shahid opted out for the sake of solidarity. And since then, he hadn't been offered a role in a Dharma Production," reasoned the source.

Malhotra had earlier worked on a number of Dharma Productions' releases, including Kabhi Kushi Kabhie Gham, Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna and Dostana, before his commercially successful 2010 debut.

Watch Dharma Productions' I Hate Luv Storys anniversary video below: