Not Shraddha Kapoor But Alia Bhatt was First Choice for Chaalbaaz in London?

Chaalbaaz In London is being made with Shraddha Kapoor in the lead role. Was Alia Bhatt the director's first choice?

source https://www.news18.com/news/movies/not-shraddha-kapoor-but-alia-bhatt-was-first-choice-for-chaalbaaz-in-london-4006646.html