Aashiqui 3: Kannada actor Akanksha Sharma to make her Bollywood debut with Kartik Aaryan starrer?

In Pic: Akanksha Sharma and Kartik Aaryan (Pic/Instagram)

‘Aashiqui 3' has been making headlines ever since it was announced with Kartik Aaryan in the lead. Now, it looks like the makers have found the leading lady for the movie. As per a report in ETimes, Akanksha Sharma, who has prominently worked in Kannada films, will make her Bollywood debut as a lead opposite the ‘Satyaprem ki Katha' star.

As per a source close to the film, "Akanksha has had multiple meetings with the makers of the film. And there is a possibility that things might get locked." The source also added, "Akanksha is a fresh new face, and the makers of 'Aashiqui' have always looked out for fresh pairings, be it Rahul Roy and Anu Agarwal or Shraddha Kapoor and Aditya Roy Kapur."

Previously, it was reported that the makers were considering prominent stars such as Deepika Padukone and Katrina Kaif to act opposite Kartik. The producers did not want any actress who had previously worked with Kartik. Hence, they were on the lookout for a new face.

In a Pinkvilla report, Mukesh Bhatt indicated that 'Aashiqui 3's heroine will be a new face. The producer of the franchise confirmed that the team is now engaged in a search for the film's female protagonist. The script for the film is also being completed, and production is set to begin next year.

While announcing his collaboration with Mukesh Bhatt for 'Aashiqui 3', Kartik wrote, "Ab Tere Bin Ji Lenge Hum. Zeher Zindagi Ka Pi Lenge Hum. #Aashiqui3. This one is going to be heart-wrenching!! My First with Basu Da."

Earlier, while speaking about the film in media interactions, Kartik had said, "The timeless classic 'Aashiqui' is something I grew up watching and working on 'Aashiqui 3' is like a dream come true. I feel privileged yet grateful to collaborate with Bhushan Kumar and Mukesh Bhatt for this opportunity. I've been a big fan of Anurag Basu's work, and collaborating with him on this one will definitely shape me in many ways."

For the uninitiated, Kartik was last seen in ‘Satyaprem Ki Katha' alongside Kiara Advani.