The Dior ambassador Deepika Padukone is never resting on her laurels, and ever since her major foray into Hollywood with xXx: Return of Xander Cage, the Bollywood film star continues to build on her impressive roster.
Next in the list are Meghna Gulzar’s Chhapaak, and cricket biopic ’83 with her husband Ranveer Singh.
But now, according to sources, the Indian beauty has reportedly signed on to Luv Ranjan’s next project, and in the latest reports, she will be the Ranbir Kapoor’s “love interest”.
The film already stars Ajay Devgn and Deepika’s ex-boyfriend Ranbir, and the news claims the actress will be paired alongside the latter.
According to Indian website Bollywoodhungama.com, they claimed a “trade source” said the “announcement” is being held until the controversy dies down around the movie.
“Deepika is doing Luv Ranjan’s untitled next [film] but everybody wants to keep it under wraps till the whole noise about Me Too dies down completely,” the source claimed.
“Deepika had signed the movie much earlier this year and had started discussions regarding the script with Luv.
“In July, she and Ranbir were even spotted coming out of the filmmaker’s office but Deepika’s fans took offence to that and #NotMyDeepika started trending online.
“Many felt on social media that given her strong stance against sexual harassment she shouldn’t do the movie and ask her to rethink her choice.
“In a magazine interview, Deepika had denied that she would be willing to work with a person, accused of sexual misconduct,” the insider continued. “Her fans were appeased by that but now that she has signed the film it will be interesting to see their reactions.”
READ MORE: Deepika Padukone ‘shocked by FALSE reports’ over Ranbir Kapoor film
The story is said to be a heartland drama, and will reportedly centre around the story of a father and son.
Ranbir and Ajay will be taking part in their second film together following Prakash Jha’s Rajneeti nearly a decade ago.
The source went on to claim Deepika and Ranbir schedule “secret” meetings at Luv’s home and office.
“It’s a very different kind of role for Deepika and a well-scripted romance,” they said. “The actress had loved the script and given her nod months ago. Also, she and Ranbir share great on-screen chemistry and with Luv’s it will be their fourth movie together after Bachna Ae Haseena, Yeh Jawaani Hai Diwani and Tamasha.
“Once the prep and workshops are done, they will make the announcement at the right time. Me Too is a sensitive subject and the makers and the actors don’t want to hurt anybody’s feelings. Ranbir is currently shooting for Shamshera and will join in preps soon. The movie will roll next year after Ajay and Ranbir complete their current quota of movies.”
However, fellow Indian news reports claim there is actually another actress taking over the role, and Deepika has now dropped out.
Another website, Filmfare, instead claimed the xXx favourite is “shocked” by the reports, and has always been signed up for the project.
The publication said: “For the past few days there have been several reports of the superstar walking out of the film and another actress stepping into her shoes.
“But as per our sources, Deepika and the makers are shocked to read such reports as they are untrue. Because the actress and the director both know that they are doing the film together. In fact, they have had several meetings for the film to discuss the project in detail,” they added.
Luv Ranjay’s new project is set to be released next year.