Sanjay Leela Bhansali is yet to officially announce the cast for Padmavati, his take on Emperor Alauddin Khilji’s obsession for Chittor’s queen Padmavati, but rumours mills are already working overtime.
According to the latest buzz, Deepika Padukone has refused to work with a television actor who was supposed to play her husband in the film. While Deepika essays the titular role of Padmavati, Ranveer Singh is set to play Alauddin Khilji.
A Bollywoodlife report claimed on Tuesday that Deepika wants someone big to play her husband’s character. It added that the first schedule is with Deepika and her husband’s character.
“Initially, a TV actor was to be signed, but Deepika put her foot down. A random actor from television won’t do for her. While she has no scenes with Ranveer, she shares some intense romantic and lovemaking scenes with her husband, so she wants a big star as her hero,” Bollywoodlife quoted a source as saying.
The scenes between Deepika and Ranveer are being shot separately as they never meet in the film, it added.
Another report claimed that Vicky Kaushal, who auditioned for the role of Deepika’s husband in Padmavati, quit Bhansali’s upcoming ambitious project over his role.
“Vicky Kaushal has opted out of the film considering that the role is very short in comparison to those played by Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone,” Pinkville quoted a source as saying.
Even earlier this month, reports claimed that Ankita Lokhande had been offered a role in the film. The TV actor, however, refuted the rumours and her spokesperson said, “Ankita has not been signed for the film. Hope this puts an end to the speculation.”
After the success of Ram Leela – Goliyon Ki Raasleela and Bajirao Mastani, the upcoming project will mark the third collaboration of Sanjay-Deepika and Ranveer.
Reports also say that Prakash Kapadia, who scripted Bajirao Mastani, has been roped in again to write Padmavati. The movie will go on floors in September.
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