Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who wanted to cast Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan again after his super success with them in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam in 1999, has revived plans for the project he had in mind, but with a different actress in mind, reports Times of India.
Bhansali had to shelve his ambitious film Bajirao Mastani in 2003 after the bitter break-up between Salman and Aishwarya. He had said then that he could not see anybody else fitting their shoes for his epic romance based on the 18th century love story between two historically significant characters.
The Times report says, Bhansali is quietly reviving the project and though he will cast Salman (his favourite hero) as Bajirao, he is getting into a dialogue with Kareena Kapoor to act opposite the macho actor as Mastani.
Though Ash continues to be Bhansali's favourite leading lady, the filmmaker knows that the possibility of Salman and Ash making a film again is next to impossible.
So, he has decided to replace Ash with Kareena who he feels is the best among the current actresses to fit the bill. Salman and Kareena share good vibes so Bhansali is a relieved man. Insiders say this move will not see the Bhansali-Ash relationship going sour.
Mastani was the wife of Peshwa Bajirao who served the Maratha empire. They were said to be the perfect couple both in looks as well as attitude and valour. She was a skilled horse-rider and rode into battle with her husband.
She was also skilled in combat training and wielded weapons with ease. Their deaths is a part of Indian folklore. It is said that when Bajirao died of natural causes, Mastani committed suicide by drinking poison.
Others have reported that she killed herself by jumping into the funeral pyre of her husband. Their love story, thus, became eternal. The film will be a grand spectacle as Bhansali will treat the audiences to opulence and grandeur in sets and costumes.
