New Delhi, June 28 (IANS) The news of Aishwarya Rai's pregnancy cast doubts over the completion of Madhur Bhandarkar's "Heroine", in which she was playing the lead role. Putting an end to all speculations, the film's producer UTV has now clarified that shooting has been delayed till further notice.

"We would like to put an end to the speculative and factually incorrect stories that are doing the rounds on 'Heroine', and to clarify the position on the film once and for all," said an official statement from the production house.

"At this point, nothing is more important than Aishwarya's well being and good health. In that context, we have all mutually agreed that the best step would be to avoid shooting further, rather than proceeding with an incredibly demanding schedule over the coming months," UTV said.

It also wished the 37-year-old actress a healthy motherhood.

"Even as we will truly miss this opportunity to work with Aishwarya, the entire unit wishes her the very best for the exciting time ahead, as she and Abhishek move into this special new phase in their lives," the statement said.

The project, also starring Arjun Rampal, was announced during the Cannes Film Festival this year. After the news of Aishwarya's pregnancy broke out, rumours of Priyanka Chopra being approached were also doing the rounds.