Despite of just two films under his belt, Ayan Mukerji is one of the most talked about directors of our times. He is on the wish list of most of the actors as his two blockbusters have done a world of good to his lead stars.

While Ayan's best friend Ranbir Kapoor is and has always been his first and last choice for playing the male lead, he experiments with the female lead casting.

His first film had Konkona Sen Sharma and his second outing had Deepika Padukone and Kalki Koechlin playing the lead.

Ayan shares a great bond with Deepika and Katrina due to Ranbir’s relationship with them. While he has already worked with Deepika, it was rumoured that Katrina Kaif will star opposite Ranbir in his next. But it looks like Katrina will have to wait for some more time as Ayan has set his eyes on the toast of the season, Alia Bhatt.

The actress, who is fast becoming a favourite amongst the filmmakers, has impressed Ayan with her performances and success. If all goes well, Alia might just bag Ayan’s next.

And if this turns out to be true, it will be like a living a dream for Alia who has repeatedly confessed to be a die-hard Ranbir Kapoor fan and admirer.

Alia has also publicly announced that she has had a crush on him for the longest time.