Madhuri Dixit (now Nene) will replace Sridevi in Karan Johar’s as yet untitled film to be directed by Abhishek Varman.

Madhuri’s entry has given rise to the prospect of her pairing once again with Sanjay Dutt, with whom she was rumoured to have had a relationship back in the early nineties, though the actress denied it.

The duo starred in several hits together, including Saajan and Khal Nayak, and were last seen as the lead pair in Mahaanta (1997).

KJo had planned the film with Sanjay and Sridevi but after the actress’s sudden death in Dubai last month, the project’s fate came under a cloud.

Sridevi’s elder daughter Janhvi Kapoor took to Instagram on Monday and shared a post with a photograph of Madhuri and Sridevi and wrote: “Abhishek Varman’s next film was very close to mom’s heart.... Dad, Khushi and I are thankful to Madhuriji for now being a part of this beautiful film...”

Karan confirmed Madhuri’s entry. “Some clarifications!!! Yes...we are honoured and humbled to have @MadhuriDixit on board for @abhivarman 's next! NO the film is NOT titled SHIDHAT! Yes the film will Commence shoot in mid April! The films final cast and credits will be announced soon!” he tweeted.

The project will be Varman’s first since his directorial debut four years ago with the hit 2 States. The buzz is that his 2 States heroine Alia Bhatt will also feature in the film along with Varun Dhawan and Sonakshi Sinha.

Sridevi’s death came as a shock to fans who had been waiting to see the erstwhile superstar performing alongside Sanjay. After the tragedy, speculation was rife that Johar was looking for her replacement. However, a source close to the filmmaker had said: “Karan was extremely fond of Sridevi and they shared an amazing relationship. He doesn’t want to rush to find a replacement right away. That is certainly not on his priority list.”

After signing the film, Johar had said: “I’m so happy that Sridevi is doing a film with us, although I’m sad I’m not directing it.”