Taapsee Pannu not part of Nikhil Siddhartha's next: Director

Director Vi Anand has refuted rumours that actress Taapsee Pannu has been roped in as the third heroine in his yet-untitled Telugu romantic drama, which features actor Nikhil Siddhartha as the male lead.

"Contrary to some reports, Taapsee is not the third heroine of the film, which already features Avika Gor and Hebah Patel. In a week's time, we should be able to finalise the next leading lady," Anand told IANS.

While Anand admits that he was initially in talks with Taapsee, things never fell in place.

The film is a love story with some fantasy elements and it features Nikhil in two different avatars.

"It is a performance-oriented role. We were on the lookout for an actor who can play a youthful and trendy character. Nikhil perfectly fits the bill," said Anand, adding that Nikhil is a versatile actor of the younger lot.

Produced by Venkateswara Rao, the film has music by Sekhar Chandra.