Shah Rukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan in race to star in 'Padmavati'?

With Vicky Kaushal no longer a part of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's upcoming historical drama 'Padmavati', the director has turned his attention to bigger stars to play the role of the titular character's husband and reports indicate that Shah Rukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan are the favourites to bag the role. 'Padmavati' stars Deepika Padukone in the titular role with Ranveer Singh as the anti-hero Emperor Alauddin Khilji.

Vicky Kaushal had been earlier roped in to play Rawal Ratan Singh but reports indicate that him revealing his association with the film so early led to his departure from the project. Some reports have also claimed that it was Deepika Padukone's unwillingness to work with the three-film-old actor that went against him. Reportedly, the lead pair has a few intimate scenes in the film and the actress was uncomfortable doing those scenes with a relatively new actor. A news report quoted a source as saying, 'Bhansali is looking for an established actor since it is a powerful role has to stand up to Ranveer Singh's grey character. There has to be some chemistry between the actor and Deepika, especially for intimate scenes.'

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But Vicky's loss could now be Shah Rukh or Hrithik's gain. Sources maintain that while no name has been finalised for the king's role, Hrithik and Shah Rukh are the favourites. 'Bhansali wants to explore the Hrithik-Deepika pairing at this stage since it will be a new pair. But, Shah Rukh has also shown interest in the project. Since the project is scheduled to roll in September, the director will take a decision shortly,' claims the source. Some reports claim that Shahid Kapoor has virtually been finalised to play king Rawal Ratan Singh but according to one report in a leading daily, the real competition is between Shah Rukh and Hrithik.






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