'Varanasi': Priyanka Chopra's one demand to SS Rajamouli for coming on board made Mahesh Babu bear the consequences

Priyanka Chopra is set to return to Indian movies with SS Rajamouli's magnum opus, 'Varanasi'. The actress will be playing the role of Mandakini in the movie. However, before agreeing to come on board for the project, the actress put forth one condition. Here's what happened next.

Priyanka Chopra's condition for agreeing to 'Varanasi'

In an interview with Cinema Blend, Priyanka Chopra shared that she has not done any Indian films in the last six years. The actress recalled, "So when he called me, and he was like, 'Oh, you know, this female character's really cool, and you have to do it,' and whatever, I was like, 'I have one request: will you make me dance? Please, because I haven't danced for so long."




Priyanka Chopra then shared, "Whoa, I should not have asked, because we be dancing. Oh my gosh, there’s a lot. And poor Mahesh was like, ‘It’s because of you. Because of you, I have to do it too.'"

Mahesh Babu talks about the dance number

Mahesh Babu was also part of the interview, and he called the song "sensational." The Telugu superstar added that they have already shot for the song and "it just keeps playing in our minds."

He further added that Priyanka Chopra keeps singing the track all the time. He clarified again that the song "was because she wanted to dance and… and he made her dance."

More about 'Varanasi'

Directed by SS Rajamouli, the movie will star Mahesh Babu as Rudra, Priyanka Chopra as Mandakini, and Prithviraj Sukumaran as Kumbha, the main antagonist.

As per the reports and fan theories, the movie will showcase time travel. Earlier, the filmmaker had confirmed that in one of the scenes in the movie, Mahesh Babu will be seen as Lord Rama. While the title reveal teaser was dropped last year, the makers recently unveiled the new poster of the film, confirming the release date. The film is set to arrive in cinemas on April 7, 2027.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”