Fight continues! But this time for Deepika Padukone..!!

It seems the battle to play Deepika Padukone's King in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's upcoming film "Padmavati" is intensifying with every passing day.

As per reports in a leading tabloid, the filmmaker now wants to cast a Bollywood biggie to play Deepika's King in the flick after Vicky Kaushal walked out of the project. While Ranveer Singh is finalized for the role of the anti-hero, he wants a strong personality to play the King since it is a very powerful character. Following which he is confused to select between Hrithik Roshan and Shah Rukh Khan.

A source close to the project has revealed to the tabloid, "Bhansali is looking for an established actor since it is a powerful role and will challenge Ranveer Singh's anti-hero, Alauddin Khilji. There has to be some chemistry between the actor and Deepika, especially for intimate scenes. Who better than SRK or a Hrithik to play King Rawal Ratan Singh to the beautiful Padmavati?" (sic)

Previously, Vicky Kaushal was being considered to play the part but he walked out of the film saying he had other commitments. But, reports suggested that Deepika was the reason of him stepping out of the project because she didn't want to romance an actor who is just three films old. After all this mess, Bhansali was forced to look for a bigger star and that's when he zeroed down to Hrithik and Shah Rukh.

"The filmmaker seems to be favouring the Hrithik- Deepika pairing at this stage since their on-screen chemistry is still un-explored. On the other hand, Shah Rukh Khan has shown interest in the project. Bhansali is expected to take a decision shortly as the project is scheduled to roll in September," concluded the source. (sic)

There were also reports that claimed Shahid Kapoor has been approached for the role. But, the sources confirmed that the race is between SRK and Hrithik only.

SLB's spokesperson says, "There has been a lot of speculation surrounding the casting of Padmavati. This is to clarify that no names have been confirmed so far. An official announcement will be made once the cast is finalised." (sic)

It will be interesting to see who will finally romance Deepika, Hrithik Roshan or Shah Rukh Khan? Whom do you want to see play the King ? Share your views in the comment box below.

(Credits: Mid- Day)