This could probably be the biggest casting coup since Yash Chopra managed to get Rekha and Jaya Bachchan in the same frame as Amitabh Bachchan in the 1981 film, Silsila. According to a report by Pinkvilla, noted filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali has decided to go ahead with his current favourites, Alia Bhatt and Deepika Padukone for his film, Baiju Bawra and the film will also star Bhatt’s current beau and Padukone’s former boyfriend, Ranbir Kapoor.

“It’s a story of four characters – two heroes and two heroines. For both the heroines, SLB has decided to go with his current favourites Deepika Padukone and Alia Bhatt. He has narrated the script to both of them and they have both loved their parts. In all probabilities, Alia will be paired opposite Ranbir’s Baiju in the film, stepping into Meena Kumari’s shoes from the original. Deepika will play the other female lead, that of dacoit Roopmati essayed by Kuldip Kaur in the 1952 drama. Both the actors will be Ranbir’s romantic interests in the period saga and have shown a keen interest in the project. If this materialises, this will be a big casting coup for sure,” a source told the entertainment website.

“The movie revolves around the characters of Baiju and Tansen and the conflict between the two. For Baiju’s character, Ranbir has almost been finalised. The paperwork is yet to be done but SLB has already discussed the film with the actor and he’s liked the script. For Tansen’s role, they need a much older actor and they are already in talks with two big superstars to come on board,” the source adds.

This will be Padukone and Bhatt’s first film together. Bhatt is set to star opposite Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan in Ayan Mukerji’s action fantasy film, Brahmāstra. Padukone and Kapoor have previously played the lead roles in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Bachna Ae Haseeno, and Tamasha.

(Picture credits: IMDB)