Ranbir and I have been meeting: Imtiaz Ali

If things move as per the plans, Ranbir Kapoor would soon find himself working with filmmaker Imtiaz Ali, who has just delivered a big money spinner in the form of Love Aaj Kal. Confirmation comes from Rishi Kapoor himself who is positive that the two youngsters would soon be collaborating on a project.

"I am positive that in 2010, Imtiaz and Ranbir would be beginning a film together. They have been meeting on a regular basis and are just looking at finalizing on something concrete before they make a formal announcement", says Rishi Kapoor who was recently seen in Love Aaj Kal.

Prod him further on the genre, subject, leading lady and the production house and Rishi Kapoor denies being in the know-how of affairs.

"I never get involved in the creative aspects of Ranbir's films. He takes all his decisions himself. All I know is that Ranbir working with Imtiaz would be a great decision since I have now witnessed Imtiaz's sensibilities on a first hand basis after working with him", Rishi Kapoor says.

Playing the role of Veer Singh in Love Aaj Kal, Rishi Kapoor got quite some appreciation coming his way for his Sikh portrayal.

"While working on the film, I realized that this boy is so cultured, sensible and simple", he gushes about the three film old director, "There is a saying that one's character gets reflected in his work. It was there for everyone to see in Love Aaj Kal which was so honest and sincere, just like Imtiaz."

Coming back to Ranbir and Imtiaz association, it would be interesting to see how things materialise in weeks to come. For Ranbir it would be yet another addition of an accomplished filmmaker in his repertoire. During last two years he has worked with veterans like Sanjay Leela Bhansali (Saawariya), Raj Kumar Santoshi (Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahanis) and Prakash Jha (Rajneeti).

Also, he has been a favourite amongst the young blood, as evidenced in his association with Siddharth Anand (Bachna Ae Haseeno), Shimit Amin (Rocket Singh - Salesman Of The Year) and Ayan Mukerji (Wake Up Sid).

On the other hand, Imtiaz Ali is taking his own time to announce his next project. In the recent past, he has already curbed rumours around reviving Rockstar (which was earlier supposed to star John Abraham). There have also been murmurs around him working with Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor in his next project but he has denied reports. Naturally, he is cautious before committing on Ranbir and him coming together on the project.

"Honestly speaking, nothing has been finalised yet", says Imtiaz, "Yes, Ranbir and I have been meeting each other for quite some time and have been bouncing off story ideas. Still, we are yet to close on a story line. I have always placed my story before anything else. Whether it is Love Aaj Kal, Jab We Met or Socha Na Tha, the story has always been of paramount importance."

So is he or is he not signing Ranbir Kapoor? "I definitely want to work with him. However, I will announce my cast once the story is finalised. Making any comments before that would be immaterial and unwarranted", he says in a guarded tone.

With Rishi Kapoor being highly positive around Ranbir-Imtiaz association, all eyes are now on Imtiaz making a formal announcement around his next film. After all Love Aaj Kal is now out on screens and it is high time that Imtiaz open his cards and breaks the suspense.