Although an official announcement is yet to be made, rumour has it that Shahid Kapoor, Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have been confirmed as the lead stars for Sanjay Leela Bhansali's ambitious next, "Padmavati." While the leading lady will play the titular role, the boys will essay the roles of rulers.
It wasn't easy to get them on board. After reports of Ranveer having a fall-out with the filmmaker emerged, there was a strong buzz that Shahid had laid some pre-conditions for accepting the role. Among the terms he is said to have laid forth was that he wanted his role to be as strong as Ranveer's. Also, he wanted both to have equal screen time.
According to a Mumbai Mirror report, Shahid accepted the offer after Sanjay re-wrote his portions and made the focus turn to the love triangle between the characters played by him, Deepika and Ranveer. While Deepika will play rani Padmini (also known as Padmavati), Shahid has been signed up to essay raja Rawal Ratan Singh, and Ranveer will be seen as the shrewd Alauddin Khilji.
Shahid also apparently set the precondition that he will not begin work on the film right away. Shahid stepped into fatherhood a few days back, and wants to be around wife Mira Rajput Kapoor to take care of her and the baby girl.
What else do we know about the film?
"Padmavati" is in the pre-production stage; lavish sets are being created at Mumbai's studios. "Bhansali will start the shooting in this beautiful palace with a song sometime in September. Prep is on in full swing and the grand set should be completed in the next 20 days," a source told the daily.
Trivia
"Padmavati" is Sanjay, Ranveer and Deepika's 3rd film together, after "Bajirao Mastani" and "Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela."
