Hungry for a hit? Ranbir Kapoor keen to collaborate with Zoya Akhtar

Ranbir Kapoor and Zoya Akhtar

If their recent meetings are any indication, Ranbir Kapoor appears interested in being part of one of Zoya Akhtar's upcoming ventures. Interestingly, the actor had turned down two of her earlier films - 'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara' (2011) and 'Dil Dhadakne Do' (2015). However, now, it looks like he wants to do a Zoya film, given her consistent run of luck at the box office, something that has eluded Ranbir for long.

Ranbir Kapoor and Zoya Akhtar

Sources say Zoya has had a series of meetings with Ranbir over the last few weeks, but it isn't clear if it is for her next, Gully Boy, inspired by Mumbai street dancers. "Contrary to earlier reports, she hadn't discussed the film with him until recently. The so-called meeting at her Bandra home a few months ago was merely a private bash where Ranbir was a guest," a source informs.

Previous reports suggested that Ranbir was approached to star in 'Gully Boy' along with Ranveer Singh (ex-flame Deepika Padukone's current beau) and Alia Bhatt, but he chose to pass it up. Buzz was that he wasn't willing to play second fiddle to Ranveer, who might be seen as a rapper in the slice-of-life drama. Then followed speculations of Varun Dhawan and Hrithik Roshan also turning down the second hero's role.

"Zoya has met a few actors casually and discussed the project too. However, she is yet to confirm any names," adds the source.

Is Ranbir under consideration for Gully Boy? "He is eager to work with Zoya since the two films that he had declined received an overwhelming audience response. His last outing, 'Tamasha', didn't do well at the box office. So, he is now looking at fresh collaborations to get that elusive hit under his belt. Zoya, however, is yet to take a call on the casting. It will be interesting to see if Zoya goes ahead with Ranbir despite past experiences with him," explains the source.

Ranbir Kapoor and Zoya Akhtar remained unavailable for comment.