Mumbai, June 27 (IANS) Comic star Riteish Deshmukh's plans of breaking into the mainstream actors' league with 'Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai' seem to be in peril with his leading lady Ayesha Takia opting out of the movie.

Ayesha, who happily played his bum chum in 'De Taali', is no longer playing the alien from Venus who lands into earthling Riteish's embrace.

'No I can't do Milap Jhaveri's film because the dates got shifted by two months. I had already given dates to Nagesh Kukunoor's 'Tasveer' and Prabhu Deva's 'Wanted'. Since these were confirmed in advance, I could do nothing but give up 'Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai',' Ayesha told IANS.

As far as Riteish is concerned, there are absolutely no hard feelings.

'Ayesha is a fantastic actress. And I had a fantastic time working with her in 'De Taali'. She's such a natural before the camera. She is a fabulous co-star. I hope to work again with her in the near future,' said Riteish.

This is the only romantic lead on Riteish's hands. He is man enough to admit comedy has been declared his forte.

'I'm aware it's the romantic lead that's considered the conventional hero's part in our films. I did try a serious role in 'Cash', but that didn't work.

'In fact, after I made my debut as a conventional hero in 'Tujhe Meri Kasam', I did another conventional lead in 'Out Of Control' for Vashu Bhagnani and a boys' comedy 'Masti' with Indra Kumar. The second worked, the first didn't. That is the way it is. I guess audiences like me in comedies.'

Thus, Riteish is in no hurry to leave his comic niche behind.

'I'm doing a goofy all-out comedy with my friend Sajid Khan. I wonder who'd have killed whom first if Sajid hadn't cast me again. It's called 'Houseful'. Sajid's first film 'Heyy Babyy' had me doing serious dramatic scenes along with the comedy.

'But 'Houseful' will have lots more of the funny stuff. This time Sajid, Akshay Kumar and I will really pull out all the stops,' Riteish added.

Sujoy Ghosh's 'Alladin', in which Riteish plays the title role, also has a pronounced comic element. 'And though I play the title role, Mr. Amitabh Bachchan is the whole and sole of the film', the actor said.