PRIYANKA CHOPRA TO PLAY SALMAN KHAN'S HEROINE IN BHARAT
By Roshmila Bhattacharya, Ahmedabad Mirror | Updated: Apr 17, 2018, 02.00 AM IST
Filmmaker confirms that the actress has given the nod to the Eid 2019 release; period-drama marks PeeCee's return to B'wood after 2 yrs
It's official! In one of the biggest casting coups of the year, Priyanka Chopra will be paired with Salman Khan in Ali Abbas Zafar's period drama Bharat. Putting an end to weeks of speculation, Ali told Mirror, "Bharat is Priyanka's homecoming to Bollywood after having proved herself as a performer in a global TV show, Quantico, and in Hollywood. Bharat is rooted in India and its culture, spans over seven decades and travels across the world. Priyanka is the biggest Indian artist globally today and a perfect fit for the film as she brings to the table her incredible talent and international appeal.
The young director who has delivered two back-to-back top grossers, travelled to New York recently with the film's producer Atul Agnihotri to give Priyanka a narration. "She loved the script and immediately gave her nod. Salman and Priyanka will be teaming up after 10 years, making the association all the more special, says a source. They were earlier seen in David Dhawan's romcom, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004), Nikkhil Advani's anthology, Salaam-e-Ishq (2007) and Rumi Jaffrey's fantasy-comedy God Tussi Great Ho (2008).
Ali who directed Priyanka four years ago in Gunday says jubilantly, "Bharat is a mature, subtle love story and her character is the soul of the film. She stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Salman in his journey and is the catalyst who triggers what will be a turning point in the plot. The director started his prep in London before travelling on to Spain, Poland, Portugal, Malta and Bulgaria.
Salman meanwhile is wrapping up Ramesh Taurani's action-thriller, Race 3, which opens this Eid. Bharat has already booked Eid 2019 and takes off in July. The film is an official adaptation of the 2014 South Korean drama, Ode To My Father, which depicted modern Korean history from the 1950s to the present day through the life of an ordinary man and events such as the Hungnam Evacuation, and the Vietnam war.
"That film is just the starting point for ours. Bharat starts in 1947 and ends in 2000. It is the journey of a country and also a person, both of whom go by the name of Bharat. We are very happy to welcome Priyanka to the Bharat family. We couldn't have asked for anyone better to play the role, Atul informed.
In the film, Salman sports five different looks and a crucial part of his journey will showcase him in his late 20s.
Co-producer Bhushan Kumar says, "We are very happy that the best of talents are coming together. It is a beautiful story.
Priyanka, last seen in a Hindi film as a punch em cop in Prakash Jha's hard-hitting Jai Gangaajal two years ago, is equally gung-ho. "I'm looking forward to working with Salman and Ali after a considerable time. I've learnt a lot from them during our previous collaborations and I am excited to see what this one has to offer. I'm also looking forward to working with Atul, Alvira and the entire team. To all my well-wishers who have been patient and supportive, thank you for your constant support and I'll see you at the movies, she says.
Priyanka is the biggest Indian artiste globally today and the perfect fit for our film
Ali Abbas Zafar
I'm looking forward to working with Salman and Ali... I've learnt a lot from them
Priyanka Chopra
http://ahmedabadmirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/priyanka-chopra-to-play-salman-khans-heroine-in-bharat/articleshow/63791462.cms
Edited by Gauahargeous_N - 7 years ago
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