Penelope-Shekhar part ways

However, the acclaimed filmmaker came into the picture earlylast year, when they talked about him handling the project. Impressed with hiswork in the Oscar-winning Elizabeth, she entrusted him with her pet project. But now Kapur is no longer part of the film. It will be directed by a top Hollywood filmmaker, who’s likely to be finalised soon. Apparently, Shekhar got too busy with Paani, a film that might star Hrithik Roshan and Twilight star Kristen Stewart. Informers claim that it is the director’s dedication to Paani that has cost him Penelope’s project. “After they spoke on Passion India, Shekhar did not actively pursue the project with the Spanish bombshell. She felt he was not interested or committed enough and decided to approach other directors.” The film was to be shotin Spain and India and Shekhar was to hunt for locations for the same, but itnever got to that point. “No contract was signed between them and his‘ouster’ wasn’t a jolt. Just that they both have differentpriorities at this point,” says the source. According to the buzz in Hollywood, Shekhar might soon announce a film, written by Michael Hirst, with Cate Blanchett. Incidentally, he had offered Penelope this film earlier. Meanwhile, the filmmaker remained unavailable for comment.