Deepika Padukone to play leading lady opposite Salman Khan in Sooraj Barjatya's 'Bade Bhaiya'

Deepika Padukone has been finalised to play the leading lady opposite Salman Khan in Sooraj Barjatya’s Bade Bhaiya. The film  is scheduled to begin shooting in 2014.

The Barjatya heroine has a mould. She needs to have a Indian face, a traditional and demure image (think the opposite of Poonam Pandey). She should look bahu-material (think Sonali Bendre, Tabu, Madhuri Dixit)  and look good in desi clothes. And Deepika fits the bill on all counts.

Sooraj had a tough time choosing the leading lady this time. He is making a film with Salman after 15 years, and with the actor at his peak, getting the right actress was important. Many actresses from Ileana D’Cruz to Parineeti Chopra were considered before Deepika was signed for the role.

Interestingly, though Deepika made her debut in Farah Khan’s Om Shanti Om with Shah Rukh Khan, Salman had spotted her before in one of her ads and had recommended her name to one of his directors but Farah signed her before that. It is learnt that Salman recommended her name to Sooraj. Right now, Deepika is also at the peak of her career, so the first time pairing with Salman is an added plus. Buzz is, Salman is playing a double role in the film.