Anushka to go de-glam in Sultan

Anushka to go de-glam!

She starts training soon; will play a slightly older character in Sultan...

Nayandeep Rakshit

After Hrs was the first to break the news of Anushka Sharma being part of Sultan (It's Anushka; September 11, 2015) At that time, she took to Twitter to deny being part of the film. Now the official announcement has been made. While the deal was locked and signed three days ago, the discussion was on in the YRF corridors for the longest time. But it was a tightly kept secret'.

Director Ali Abbas Zafar is mighty pleased with the development. He explains why she's the correct choice'. "We wanted to cast a great actor opposite Salman. That was the main criterion. Anushka is a terrific actress and a star in her own right. She can pull off a film effortlessly. But the biggest plus point is that she is athletic, she understands the language and the mannerisms and it will be easy for her to get into the skin of the character. Also, she has previously romanced Shah Rukh and Aamir Khan. Now, it's Salman. They look great together. Once the look is out, you will see."

Our source from the production team tells us that there's a lot more to Anushka's character, "It isn't another typical Salman film. The leading lady has a prominent role. She plays a mature woman " a wrestler. She has to look on par with Salman. For the first time, she will essay a character slightly older than her age and it's a trademark shift from her girl-next-door kind of roles."

The team has also zeroed in on a particular look for the film. Our source reveals, "Since she is also playing a wrestler in Sultan, her look will be more realistic or de-glam throughout the film. She doesn't need to look like a million bucks." An international prosthetics expert, who will be working on Salman's character, will also help create Anushka's definite look.

Contrary to reports, there is only one leading lady in the film, the source further adds, "Sultan revolves around four central characters- that of Salman, Anushka, Randeep (Hooda) and Amit (Sadh)," confirmed the source. So, when does Anushka start shooting? "After three weeks," the khabroo reveals. "She will be undergoing a rigorous training in the sport in the coming three weeks and will join the cast on the sets post that," he adds.