Ajay Devgn and Ranbir Kapoor will most likely start work on Luv Ranjan’s next, which is produced by Bhushan Kumar, sometime in 2019. Now, the curiosity about who will play the female lead has peaked.

A source reveals, “The makers have placed Ileana D’Cruz as their top bet. They need someone who is good with comedy as well as emotional scenes and she fits the bill perfectly. Although it’s primarily Ajay and Ranbir’s story, the female lead also has a pivotal role because her track involves scenes with both the actors.”

The curvaceous actress has already shared screen space with Ranbir in Barfi! and with Ajay Devgn in Baadshaho and Raid. Our khabri adds, “Ileana has not been signed yet. The team has reached out to her and given her a brief. They will sit down for a narration and then take it ahead.”

While the names of Alia Bhatt and Nushrat Bharucha, too, were being discussed, it seems things didn’t materialise with either of them. Our source reasons, “Nushrat has already given a statement saying she’s not in the film. As for Alia, she has a busy year ahead. She has to finish Brahmastra and Kalank, post which she also has Karan Johar’s Takht and a movie with Ashwiny Iyer Tiwary.”

However, when we contacted the makers, they denied that Ileana has been approached for the role.