But now, sources allege, both actors are naturally not keen to appear as lovers on screen anymore, and are reportedly trying to stall the film’s release.
Boney himself remains optimistic about this Satish Kaushik-directed film that is inspired by the Hollywood hit Serendipity and whose fate reportedly is in the hands of its lead actors. “With the film industry face-off with the multiplexes on, the situation is fluid,” explained Boney, “however, I will release three films, including Milenge Milenge, between June and December.’’ He strongly denied Kareena and Shahid were trying the prevent his film’s release. “She has almost completed her dubbing and he, too, has dubbed some portions and will finish his work shortly,’’ said the producer.

Kareena’s secretary Zahid (who, incidentally, was Shahid’s before) confirmed the actress, who is currently busy shooting at nights for Raju Hirani’s Three Idiots, has dubbed certain portions of Milenge Milenge. “She is working on the promotion of Kambakht Ishq and is scheduled to fly overseas for Karan Johar’s Jehaad,’’ he added. Strangely, even a year-and-half after the hit jodi’s break up, Zahid remains curious about Shahid.

A producer said, “Zahid always inquires about the fate of Shahid’s movies. He wants to know the box office status, release dates, etc.’’ However, the secretary explained away his curiosity by saying, “I’m an integral part of the trade. I may have asked general questions about movies and release dates, etc. I’m interested in Kambakht Ishq because it is Kareena’s next release and Love Aaj Kal because it is Saif Ali Khan’s home production. Other than that, I’m not unduly interested in any other actor. I don’t recall asking any questions about Shahid Kapoor specifically.’’

Meanwhile, the couple itself is not above keeping tabs on each other especially when their paths cross at industry functions where they keep their distance, Bollywood sources say. Guests at producer Karim Morani’s 50th birthday party recently reported that Kareena checked out Shahid Kapoor and his new ‘friend’ Priyanka Chopra with unabashed curiosity. But designer Shabina Khan, who is a close friend of the Jab We Met star pair, rubbished this claim saying, “Kareena and Shahid are cordial with each other. Beyond that, I don’t think there is anything.’’