The central cast of "Padmavati" isn't confirmed yet. Shahid Kapoor has only verbally agreed to play the role of Deepika Padukone's husband in the Sanjay Leela Bhansali directorial.
Shahid, who has just stepped into fatherhood, is considering extending his paternity leave and is in no mood to resume work just yet. However, a source told SKJ Bollywood News that because the star hadn't signed any contract, there isn't any need to explain his departure from the film. The makers are apparently, looking for actors who can essay the role of a king on celluloid.
Even if Shahid had been finalised for the part, it wouldn't have looked pretty on the screen, the insider further elaborated.
"You see, Deepika is a lot taller than Shahid, and the difference in their height would be very conspicuous.How would it look if the King doesn't match the height of his Queen? Huh?," the source asked.
"Padmavati" has been in news for several reasons.
First, it was Deepika hiking her fee to Rs. 11 crore. While the number was well-deserved and didn't seem one bit strange, Sanjay's spokesperson dismissed the reports saying the numbers are baseless.
The husband-hunt for "Padmavati" has been interesting. Whole of last month, there were reports claiming that Deepika refused to work with a couple of actors because they were inexperienced and have a few films to their credit.
Later, it was being said that Sanjay has approached Shah Rukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan for the role and although the former expressed an interest, he didn't have dates to spare.
Ranveer Singh, who will play the antagonist in the period film, was reportedly shown the doors after he demanded a script narration. There was a strong murmur that the actor had become insecure of Shahid playing an equally strong role in "Padmavati."
