Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh are on board Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Padmavati," but the makers are finding it tough to round off the central cast. Apparently, no one is willing to play the leading lady's onscreen husband.
The reason, a DNA source pointed out, for the unwillingness being shown by most actors is because it is a weak role. Also, no A-list actor is interested in playing second fiddle to the heroine.
"Raman Raghav 2.0" actor Vicky Kaushal was approached for the part, but he turned it down. The young star rejected the offer because he thought the role was too short in comparison to the ones written for Ranveer and Deepika.
"The first schedule is with Deepika and her husband's character. The scenes between Deepika and Ranveer are being shot separately as they never meet in the film. 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," the insider elaborated.
Meanwhile, Ranveer has already begun preparations. Because he plays the shrewd ruler Alauddin Khilji in the period-drama, the actor needs to be in a certain zone. Recently, Ranveer had a five-hour discussion with the director and stepped out of it feeling excited and charged.
"Padmavati" is Ranveer, Deepika and Sanjay's third film together, after "Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela" and "Bajirao Mastani."
Ranveer will be next seen in Aditya Chopra's "Befikre" alongside Vaani Kapoor while Deepika's upcoming film is "XXX: The Return of Xander Cage."
