John and Neil Nitin Mukesh in Kabir Khan's Next

In Kabul Express he worked with a pair of male stars, John Abraham and Arshad Warsi, and now director Kabir Khan is likely to shoot with another pair of male stars for his next venture for Yashraj Films. According to sources Khan's next film, which he calls "a contemporary film with relevance" is likely to feature John Abraham again alongwith Neil Nitin Mukesh.

For 26-year-old Neil, his deal with Yashraj will be a homecoming of sorts. He had earlier made brief appearances as a child artiste in Yash Chopra's Vijay (1988) and Jaise Karni Waisi Bharni (1989). He has also assisted Aditya Chopra and Kunal Kohli. While he refused to divulge any details, saying it was "premature to talk,"The Johnny Gaddar star did confess that he was keeping his fingers crossed. "He is super thrilled about the possibilities," disclosed a close friend of Neil's.

John Abraham, who has worked earlier with Yashraj is expected to be more blas? about his new project but sources close to the star reveal that he is relieved that all past differences with producer Aditya Chopra have been resolved.

The story goes that when John had entered the Yashraj camp with Kabul Express, Aditya Chopra had offered Jhoom Barabar Jhoom to him. However John had too many queries about the script which annoyed Aditya. Further, John dilly-dallied about meeting Aditya who called him several times. This irked Adi and he went ahead and signed Bobby Deol for the film. When John heard that he had been dropped he did try and seek reconciliation but with little success until now.

Sources say that Kabir who had been keen on casting John, approached Aditya and facilitated a meeting between the two. "Kabir and John are the best of friends apart from having a healthy working relationship and so he is keen on casting John for YRF's next. Aditya Chopra was apprehensive about casting John in the film due to his past experiences. However, Aditya Chopra had a meeting with John and informed him about a two film contract with Yashraj Films. Apart from Kabir's film, John will also do a second film under the same banner."

When contacted Kabir Khan did not deny meeting John, however, he refused to confirm that he had signed him for the film. "I will only be casting in February and nothing has been finalised yet. It is too early to talk about anything now," says Kabir.

John Abraham too remained unavailable for comment.