Sonali Joshi Pitale (MID-DAY; October 20, 2014)

Their association began only last year when he offered her an item song in Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-leela. Now, Priyanka Chopra, who is working on her third project — Bajirao Mastani — with Sanjay Leela Bhansali, has been taken on board for his untitled next. This has sparked off rumours that Bhansali has found his new muse in Piggy Chops.

At one point of time, Aishwarya Rai was said to be his favourite when he cast her in back-to-back films — Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999) and Devdas (2000) — and then Guzaarish (2010), before moving on to work with Deepika Padukone in two consecutive projects, Goliyon Ki… and Bajirao Mastani.

A source says, “Priyanka has just started shooting for Bajirao Mastani and on one of the days, Bhansali discussed quite a few things with her, including the response to Mary Kom and her role as Kashibai in his current film. He also briefed her about another film that he is planning, which is going to be an intense love story. Priyanka liked the idea and has agreed to be part of the film. However, rest of the cast is yet to be finalised.”

It is said that Bhansali is likely to begin work on his untitled project by next year, when he wraps up the shoot of Bajirao Mastani. Bhansali’s spokesperson says, “It is too early to talk about it. He has liked Priyanka’s work in their past two films and has offered her his next.”