We’re sure you know by now that Salman Khan is collaborating on a film with Sanjay Leela Bhansali but what about the female lead? Several names, including that of Deepika Padukone, Katrina Kaif, Alia Bhatt and Janhvi Kapoor, have cropped up as potential options for Salman’s heroine in the film, but no official confirmation has been provided on rumours so far. As far as Deepika is concerned, a report in a leading magazine states that Bhansali is keen on casting her opposite Salman.
Bhansali has directed Deepika in the films Goliyon Ki Raasleela: Ram Leela, Bajirao Mastani and Padmaavat, and though she married her co-star Ranveer Singh in 2018, the filmmaker, still, is interested in casting her.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Deepika Padukone photographed in Mumbai
The report also states that Salman wants Bhansali to cast Katrina as his co-star in the new film. Alia and Janhvi might, just might be considered as well but due to their age-gap with Salman, it wouldn’t be surprising if Bhansali decides against casting either of them opposite the superstar.
Salman and Katrina in a still from Bharat
Meanwhile, several quarters of the press also speculated about Priyanka Chopra starring opposite Salman in the film, especially after she admitted on Karan Johar’s chat show Koffee With Karan 6 that she is “talking” to Bhansali about films. But sources told the magazine that Priyanka ending up as Salman’s heroine in the film is far from true, as the superstar is still upset with her for walking out of Bharat at the last minute. Katrina was cast in Salman’s upcoming film Bharat after Priyanka quit the film last year.
Bhansali, nevertheless, will announce Salman’s heroine in the film soon but it’s just that we are finding it slightly difficult to wait.
Earlier this week, several reports claimed that Salman’s film with Bhansali might be titled Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam 2. The film isn’t a remake or a sequel to the 1999 film but considering the fact that Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam 2 has “all the elements” of the first part, the title appears to be fit for the film. Salman and Bhansali are expected to begin filming by 2019 as the project is scheduled to release in 2020.
Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai in a still from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam
Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam is one of the most iconic films of Salman Khan, co-starring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Apart from this film, Sanjay Leela Bhansali also directed Salman in Khamoshi: The Musical and Saawariya.