Sanjay Leela Bhansali Refused To Direct Deepika’s Draupadi Because Of Alia Starrer Gangubai Kathiawadi?

The rumored cold war between filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali and actress Deepika Padukone has become the talk of the town. While the two collaborated in the past for masterpieces such as Bajirao Mastani, Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela and Padmaavat, it was reported that the actress turned down three of his upcoming projects, including a dance number in Gangubai Kathiawadi and a prominent role in his debut web series Heera Mandi. Rumors suggested that DP was upset because Alia Bhatt was Bhansali’s second choice for Gangubai Kathiawadi after Priyanka Chopra.

Well, latest buzz is that there could be another reason behind the fall-out. In a report shared by Bollywood Hungama, a source was quoted saying, “Deepika and SLB formed a powerful combo, with three super hits, Ram Leela, Bajirao Mastani and Padmaavat. Of course, the two bonded very well and for Deepika, Bhansali was like a mentor. When she announced the ambitious epic, Draupadi, it didn't have a director on board. Since the script followed a template from the Indian history and mythology, Deepika felt, her close friend, Sanjay Leela Bhansali would be the best to direct. However, she was shocked when Bhansali politely refused the offer as he preferred on making his dream projects like Gangubai Kathiawadi and Baiju Bawra.”

However, the source went on to add that this cold war is temporary as the two are professionals and will definitely keep these issues aside when Bhansali approaches Deepika with a script she likes. The source further stated, “You never know, they might just come together on Baiju Bawra once Gangubai Kathiawadi is out of SLB's system.” Well, we’ll just have to wait and watch.

Meanwhile, Deepika is busy gearing up for her exciting line up of upcoming films which includes Pathan co-starring Shah Rukh Khan and John Abraham, Shakun Batra’s next, Rohit Shetty’s Cirkus and ‘83 with Ranveer Singh.