Padmavati set to roll next week... Finally!

Sanjay Leela Bhansali must be most relieved. After months of speculation about the lead cast, dates, title credits, one studio backing out and other major teething problems, the film is ready to roll. In five days, SLB’s ambitious Padmavati will roll with a song sequence featuring Deepika Padukone performing ghoomar (Rajasthani dance).

Says a source, “Deepika has already done a look test for the film and Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor will be doing the same in a couple of days, separately.  Both have been growing their beards and hair to play their respective characters — Shahid as the Rajput king Rana Ratan Singh of Chittor and Ranveer as the Sultan of Delhi, Alauddin Khilji. The dance sequence will be shot on a set constructed at Mehboob Studio. Shahid and Ranveer are not needed next week as they are not part of the song.”

SET’S UP!

A set based on Padmavati’s Water Palace from the Chittorgarh fort has been constructed at Mehboob Studios and Rajasthani folk dancers who have been flown down for the song will be performing with Deepika and train her for the dance.