Top Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor has agreed to do Dharma Production's intense love-story 'Shuddhi' opposite Hrithik Roshan. The two actors have signed a movie together after more than a decade of maintaining a polite distance from each other. They reportedly stopped working together after rumours of their alleged affair surfaced in the media.

Confirming the news, producer and director Karan Johar said in a statement, "I'm excited to see Hrithik and Kareena back after 12 years. When Karan (Malhotra) came to me with 'Shuddhi', his desire was to cast Hrithik and Kareena. I spoke to both of them and they were happy to be onboard."

"To me, it is a really important casting. But I don't look at it as a coup. Kareena is beautiful, talented and a powerhouse performer. And Hrithik, well, what can I say? He can melt a nation just with his eyes."

There was much speculation in the media about who will be cast opposite Hrithik in Shuddhi. Earlier, both Karan Johar and director Karan Malhotra had denied that they have found their perfect, dream casting in Kareen-Hrithik. There were also reports that Kareena's husband, Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, had dissuaded her from signing the movie because of the alleged romantic fling between her and Hrithik in the past.

"Yes, finally we have confirmed Kareena for the role. I feel she is a stunning looking girl and she suites the character best. I am sure she will do justice to the film," the director of the movie told news agency IANS.

The movie is based on the theme of reincarnation and according to Mr Johar, "such a theme requires actors who can bring the desired intensity."

"Karan (Malhotra) has written a script that is dramatic and outstanding."

Kareena and Hrithik will be seen in a never before role in 'Shuddhi', according to Karan (Malhotra). "They both look lovely together, the script demanded them and I am lucky to have them on board."

The duo has done four movies together, including 'Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon', 'Mujhse Dosti Karoge!', 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham' and 'Yaadein'. Released in 2003, 'Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon' was their last movie, together.