Shahid Kapoor’s dream of working with Karan Johar’s Dharma productions will have to wait for a while. The actor, who had been keen to star in Punit Malhotra’s next venture with the banner, has had to opt out due to date problems. And this is no good news for the young filmmaker either. After his debut directorial ‘I Hate Luv Storys’, Punit has wanted Imran Khan for his next. Imran, busy with his Vishal Bhardwaj film ‘Matru Ki Bijli Ka Mandola’ had been unable to allot dates to Punit. That’s when Shahid had stepped in. However, now, even Shahid’s inclusion in the project isn’t possible. According to a source close to the project, “Shahid, Punit and Kjo have had multiple meetings. This was going to be Shahid’s first film with Dharma. Everything was going great until Maneesh Sharma had a slip disc.” Sharma’s next film with Shahid yet untitled has been pushed to July-August because of his illness. That’s the time when Punit’s film goes on floors too. Shahid, who had already committed to Maneesh’s project, thus had to opt out of the Dharma venture. “Shahid spoke to Karan about it. It was a mutual decision. They have decided to do another film together,” added the source. Punit’s problem of losing his lead actor is now being worked out by Karan Johar himself. “Karan is looking for a suitable replacement for Shahid,” said the source.