Sanjay Leela Bhansali has already scouting projects after the success of his magnum opus Padmaavat and this time around his next film will be based on the famous poet Sahir Ludhianvi. An extensive hunt for the lead actors has been ongoing for a while where Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra's name topped the list. However, the female lead that will be essaying the role of Amrita Pritam, Sahir’s long-term companion and soulmate, was yet to be decided. Now grapevine is abuzz that the most prominent name that features on the director’s choice list is Alia Bhatt.

Reportedly, many actors’ names have been doing the rounds for the role of Ludhianvi, including those of Irrfan Khan and Fawad Khan. Shah Rukh Khan was also approached for the role but after much speculation reports state that Abhishek Bachchan will apparently essay Ludhianvi’s character in the film.

Ludhianvi is a legendary poet who has given such gems like Jinhe Naaz Hai Hind Par Woh Kahaan Hai (Pyaasa) and Woh Subah Kabhi Toh Aayegi (Phir Subah Hogi), Main Pal Do Pal Ka Shayar Hoon, Kabhi Kabhi Mere Dil Mein (Kabhie Kabhie) and others. Abhishek will be donning the garb of the poignant poet which we are sure is going to be an interesting revelation.

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While talking to a leading daily Bhansali had this to say about Alia, “I find Alia’s growth as an actress to be truly fascinating. She exudes a certain poise and confidence that is rare for actors her age. She is now at a stage where her career decisions will determine whether she joins the hall of all-time greats. It would be most interesting to work with Alia.” Interestingly, young Alia had auditioned for the role of young Rani Mukherji in Bhansali’s Black, which eventually went to Ayesha Kapur.

Alia right now is busy promoting her upcoming film Raazi in which she is playing the role of a spy named Sehmat during the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971. The film stars Vicky Kaushal, Jaideep, Rajit Kapoor and Soni Razdan. It is directed by Meghna Gulzar and is all set to release on May 11, 2018.