While Priyanka Chopra has supposedly already unofficially greenlighted the Ali Abbas Zafar directorial, Bharat, rumours were doing the rounds that Shraddha Kapoor has been approached for the other female lead role. This could have been another desirable project for the 31-year-old actress, besides the Saina Nehwal biopic, Batti Gul Meter Chalu, Saaho opposite Baahubali megastar Prabhas, and Stree co-starring Rajkumar Rao.

However, putting an end to the reports of Bharat being her first opposite the national sensation Salman Khan, Shraddha cleared the air that she is NOT part of the film. According to PTI, the actress stated, "There are a couple of films that my name is being associated with when I haven’t even been approached. But the fact is that the only films I'm working on are Batti Gul Meter Chalu, Stree and Saaho. My producers will announce if and when I sign another project. Till then please don’t believe any speculations."

Rumours had been rife that Katrina Kaif would be playing the leading lady. However, Ali Abbas had confirmed that no heroine had yet been finalised for the film.

Recommended Read: The wait is over: It could well be Priyanka and Salman in Bharat!

Bharat is already generating considerable interest. The film will apparently trace the history of one man over 70 years in India. It will utilise the country’s historical milestones as a backdrop, starting from the time of Partition. What’s more, the film may not showcase Salman flexing his muscles, flaunting his six-pack abs and parading his deadly action skills. Apparently, the actor’s image will undergo a change and his yet unseen talents will be on the show instead.

The film is to be helmed by Ali Abbas Zafar, who happens to be Salman’s favourite filmmaker at present. Together they have kept raising the bar higher with their thumping hits together, namely Sultan, Tiger Zinda Hai. Salman is said to be very impressed by Zafar’s enthusiasm and capabilities, which will be seen yet again in Bharat.

As the film covers the life of its hero, special attention will be paid to the recreation of significant moments in history. The film will be shot mainly in Punjab and the team will put in all efforts to replicate the era using costumes, arts and nuances. Currently, the film is in the pre-production stage and shooting is expected to start in June 2018.