Why Was Anushka Sharma Chosen Over Deepika Padukone for 'Sultan'?

Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma, who recently shot Karan Johar's Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, has been finalized as the female lead opposite superstar Salman Khan for his upcoming action-thriller film, Sultan. It was earlier reported that the Bajirao Mastani actress, Deepika Padukone was also into consideration for the role.

There were earlier rumors that Padukone was the first choice of the production house to cast with Khan. According to Asian Age, there were reports that the film will have two leading ladies but refuting the rumors, a source close to the film project says that there is only one heroine in the film and she has a spirited and sassy character.

"Deepika is most likely to play the role," confirms the source.

After a lot of consideration from the film's producer Aditya Chopra and director Ali Abbas Zafar, the Sultan team has zeroed down to NH10 star, Sharma. According to Bollywood Hungama, the delay in signing the leading lady for Sultan happened as the team wanted to sign an A-list heroine with an athletic background.

"Deepika Padukone, Parineeti Chopra and Kangna Ranaut were considered. Deepika, who comes from a family of sports persons, turned down the role. With Parineeti too, the deal didn't work out and Kangna also said no. The team was in a fix. They needed a leading lady who would look convincing as an athlete. They had two options. Either they would find an A-list actress who would be credible in the akaadha (wrestling ring) or they could sign a newcomer," informs a source.

After signing Sultan, Sharma became one of those Indian actresses who got the chance to share the screen space with the three Khans of Bollywood. In 2008, Sharma shared screen with Shah Rukh Khan in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and in 2014, she shared screen with Aamir Khan in PK.

Khan has started shooting for Sultan in which he will be playing a 40-year-old wrestler, a role that he has undergone a strict physical regime to play. According to Bollywood Life, the actor is being trained in mixed martial arts by Hollywood action director, Larnell Stovall. Now, with Sharma on board, Salman Khan won't have to work alone in the film.

But at the same time, fans of Padukone and Salman Khan are eagerly waiting to see them in a film togehter. Only time will tell, when it is going to happen.