Shraddha Kapoor finalised for role of Haseena Parkar

While several A-list actresses, including Rani Mukerji and Sonakshi Sinha, vied for the role of Haseena Parkar ever since Apoorva Lakhia announced a film on Dawood Ibrahim's late sister in 2014, Mirror has learnt that Shraddha Kapoor has been finalised for the role, while her elder brother, Siddhanth takes on the role of Dawood.

Announced right after Haseena's death in July, 2014, the film will touch upon four high points of her life as a crime boss - her dealings with the slum redevelopment authorities, negotiating overseas rights of Hindi films, the Hawala racket, and the territorial wars among cable operators in the city.

While Shraddha reveals that she has never been to Dongri, where Dawood and his sister grew up, Siddhanth recalls filming for Sanjay Gupta's Shootout At Wadala in the area. "But we never really discussed Dawood while growing up," the actor-siblings echo. Siddhanth jokes that his sister who is five years younger than him is the bossy one between the two of them.

Sharing screen space for the first time, the duo believes that their biggest strength is their understanding of each other. "We're extremely close, more like best friends. Shra's my person," the 31-year-old-actor gushes.

The film rolls in December in Mumbai where Dongri will be recreated on a set. The unit is set to travel to other cities and the Middle East to shoot Siddhanth's portions.

From a drastic look change that includes prosthetics and weight-gain, along with watching documentaries, reading crime thrillers, the siblings are up for some extensive prep.

Siddhanth points out that he has a tough task at hand as he plays a real person. "It's a lot more challenging and exciting. There will be certain nuances to playing one of India's most wanted dons," adds Siddhanth, admitting that he was locked for the role over two years ago. "Sonakshi (Sinha) was to play Haseena but the dates didn't work out. Shraddha coming on board was the best thing ever. I was present for her narration and both of us loved it."

The actor also reveals that Haseena incidentally passed away on his birthday, which has made the film special for him and says that Apoorva is completely consumed by Dawood's life. "He is a genius.

Poora ghus gaya hai! He has written sixseven drafts. The final version has turned out extremely close to reality. Both Dawood and Haseena will age over a span of two, three decades in the film," Siddhanth signs off.