Bharati Dubey (MID-DAY; March 24, 2014)

Sources say that Deepika Padukone has not signed Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s film, Bajirao Mastani, and has instead given her dates to Karan Johar’s film, Shhuddhi, which is slated to go on the floors by the end of this year.

A source close to the actress says, “The dates Bhansali wanted from Deepika have been allotted to Karan Johar’s Shhuddhi. This is why the actress is not in a position to play Mastani in the former’s film.” It seems that after directing her in Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-leela, Bhansali wanted to work with Deepika again.

If sources are to be believed, a look test was also done, but due to her date issues, Deepika could not sign on the dotted line. Trade reports say that Kareena Kapoor is now keen to take on the role of Mastani.

However, Bhansali’s office maintains that no actress as been finalised as yet.

When Bhansali first announced the film in 2002, he planned to cast Aishwarya Rai, Salman Khan and Rani Mukherji in lead roles. But the film never really took off. “Now there is buzz that Ajay Devgn may play Bajirao in the film and Kareena has apparently expressed her desire to play Mastani. Priyanka Chopra will play Bajirao’s wife, Kashibai,” says the source.

Sanjay Bhansali and Deepika Padukone were not available for comment.