Deepika Padukone walks out of SRK-starrer, makers approach Sharma for the film...
Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; April 15, 2017)

Anushka Sharma is on the verge of replacing Deepika Padukone in Aanand L Rai’s next featuring Shah Rukh Khan. The makers had approached Deepika, who couldn’t accommodate the dates and had to eventually opt out of the ambitious project. Those sparks we expected to fly on the sets between Katrina Kaif and DP? That will have to wait.

The film rolls this April-end. The sets are up in Mumbai’s Film City and the team will soon make an announcement. While one heroine is confirmed (Katrina Kaif), after Deepika’s exit, the team is on the lookout for another female lead. And they have approached Anushka for the role.

“Aanand and SRK met a few nights ago and discussed the possibilities. After Deepika said no to the film, they have offered it to Anushka.”

They will also be sitting for a narration together and give her a script reading either later this week or early next week. Anushka will hear it and decide if she wants to do it. But she is their first choice now, after DP,” reveals our source.

While Katrina will be playing herself, Anushka will be playing SRK’s romantic interest — a desi girl. Shah Rukh plays a midget and, reportedly, the team will pick one title among ‘Love You Katrina’ and ‘Katrina Meri Jaan’ for the film.

“Katrina and Anushka share a great rapport and they are extremely close to Shah Rukh. So, if Anushka says yes, it will be the Jab Tak Hai Jaan cast returning with Aanand’s film,” adds our source.

ANOTHER CHOICE!
Since Anushka has not officially said ‘yes’ to the film, in case she decides to not do it, Aanand is mostly looking at casting his favourite Sonam Kapoor for Deepika’s role. The khabri tells us, “Sonam has that pretty Indian face and gives out that vibe really well. Moreover, Aanand is extremely fond of Sonam. So if Anushka cops out, Sonam’s his next choice for sure.”