Deepika Padukone to Romance Bengali Star Jisshu Sengupta in 'Piku'

Shoojit Sircar's upcoming film "Piku" will have Deepika Padukone paired opposite Jisshu Sengupta.

Sengupta, a popular face in Bengali showbiz industry was last seen playing husband to Ileana D'Cruz in Anurag Basu's acclaimed "Barfi!"

And now the actor will take another big leap playing romantic interest of Padukone in "Piku." It should be noted that the film already has an impressive cast with Amitabh Bachchan and Irrfan Khan.

Previously, it was assumed that Khan will be seen opposite Padukone in the film where Bachchan and the "Chennai Express" actress will enact father-daughter roles. But now Sengupta's name has popped up.

Sengupta confirmed his presence on the "Vicky Donor" filmmaker's project.

"It's a big break with a director I really admire and with actors I really love. It has been my dream to work with Mr. Bachchan from the time I decided I wanted to be an actor. Irrfanji is another actor I truly admire. As for Deepika, isn't she everyone's favourite dream girl these days?" Sengupta was quoted saying by Bollywood Hungama.

The report further stated that Sircar despite zeroing on Sengupta was doubtful on casting the actor. This is because Sengupta will be also be seen in Yash Raj Films' (YRF) upcoming project "Mardaani," where he plays Rani Mukerji's husband.

However, when the actor showed his recent Bengali film "Jaatishwar" to Sircar, he got convinced and cast Sengupta in "Piku." The film will start rolling from August this year.

In recent times, quite a few Bengali actors have appeared in Bollywood films, like Paoli Dam ("Hate Story", "Ankur Arora Murder Case"), Parambrata Chatterjee ("Kahaani", "Gang of Ghosts"), Prosenjit Chatterjee ("Shanghai") and Abir Chatterjee ("Kahaani").