Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; May 2, 2016)

Deepika Padukone has always expressed her desire to work with Salman Khan. The two came close to being paired together for quite a few projects, but it has never materialised so far. Now, if sources are to be believed, Sallu and Dippy will apparently come together for Rajkumar Santoshi’s upcoming project that rolls by the year-end. The film is to be produced by Salman’s sister, Alvira, and her husband Atul Agnihotri, who earlier made Bodyguard (2011) and O Teri (2014).

Says a source, “There has been talk for the last few years about Deepika and Salman working together. Recently, there was buzz that they will share screen space in Kabir Khan’s next, but she is being roped in for Santoshi’s project instead. Salman is slated to work on it later this year simultaneously with Kabir’s film costarring Anushka Sharma.”

Adds the source, “The makers prefer to be tightlipped until the casting is done and a formal announcement is made.” Last year, there was news that Salman was keen to collaborate with the director of his celebrated film, Andaz Apna Apna (1994) for another comic caper. In the past, there were rumours that Deepika had been approached for Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (2015), Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015) and the upcoming film, Sultan. The actress had once revealed that she had received an acting offer from Salman, before she was chosen by Farah Khan for Om Shanti Om (2007).

The makers and the actress remained unavailable for comment.

Santoshi’s last directorial venture was the Shahid Kapoor-starrer Phata Poster Nikhla Hero (2013) in which Salman made a special appearance.