Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt finalised for 'Shuddhi'

Mumbai: Filmmaker Karan Johar has roped in his "Student of the Year" stars Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt for his ambitious project "Shuddhi", which earlier had Salman Khan in the lead.

The film, which will be directed by Karan Malhotra of "Agneepath" fame, has undergone many changes in the lead until Varun and Alia were signed for it.

The film first had Kareena Kapoor Khan and Hrithik Roshan as the lead pairs. But the project derailed due to Hrithik's health issues, which forced Kareena to walk out of it.

Then Salman signed on the dotted lines to play the lead role in "Shuddhi" with his leading lady was undecided.

But Khan also oped out of the venture.

Johar took to Twitter to announce the film's leading cast.

"And finally..SHUDDHI starring VARUN DHAWAN and ALIA BHATT... Directed by KARAN MALHOTRA... @Varun_dvn @aliaa08 @karanmalhotra21 @DharmaMovies," Johar posted on Twitter.

Even Salman has congratulated Varun for his new film.

"Kamaal karte ho Varun Dhawan... Made your dad and me so proud of you... Happy Shuddhi," he tweeted.

This will be Varun and Alia's third film together after "Student of the Year" and "Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania".

"Shuddhi" is expected to hit theatres during Diwali next year.